Tjetje, Norman still robbery suspects

JAKARTA (JP): Police have not changed Tjetje Tadjudin and Norman Lubis's status as suspects in the Jagorawi toll road fatal robbery even though Tjetje is dead and three other suspects have been arrested.

National Police Spokesman Brig. Gen. Nurfaizi said yesterday Tjetje and Norman's status had not yet been revoked as the first suspects in the robbery.

"It is not that simple to change the status of suspects or to rehabilitate their names. While investigations are continuing everything remains unchanged," he said.

Tjetje and Norman's wives visited the National Commission on Human Rights over the arrest of their husbands. They also asked the commission to have the police rehabilitate their husbands' names.

The robbery occurred on Oct. 11 last year when three unidentified men, one with a gun, shot dead Zaenuddin Lesmana and stole Rp 230 million (US$99,000).

Tjetje and Norman, who were with Zaenuddin, escaped unhurt.

They were taken to Bogor police soon after the shooting for questioning. They became suspects after interrogators alleged they were involved in the premeditated robbery.

"There must be strong evidence for Tjetje and Norman to be declared suspects in the robbery. So, please wait for the final police investigation," Nurfaizi said.

Police have so far arrested three suspects, IJA, Mc and AG and are still hunting two main suspects Bud, alias Win, and Sal, alias Is.

The robbery re-enactment was conducted without the two main suspects.

The robbery case made headlines in local newspapers after Tjetje was found dead in Bogor Police detention and a police first lieutenant was sacked for torturing him.

There were speculations that soldiers were involved in the robbery after police found an FN 45 gun bullet shell at the scene soon after the shooting. The FN 45 is a gun used by the Army. (jun)