Two killed in misunderstanding

BOGOR (JP): Residents of Rangga Mekar subdistrict in Bogor Selatan district mobbed two men to death after a passerby screamed "thief" when he saw one victim chasing the other.

The victims were identified as Abi Bayu and Ade Koswara.

An eyewitness, identified as Ganosef Amsyahril, said Abi had visited Ade's residence in Batutulis, Bogor, on Tuesday. Ade was away in the Rangga Mekar area at the time.

"Upon returning on Wednesday, Ade was shocked to find his clothes and his bicycle missing. He confronted Abi on Thursday night about the matter and a verbal fight began.

"The verbal fight turned physical and one started running after the other. As they were running, a man saw them and thought someone was chasing a thief. So he screamed, 'Thief,'" Ganosef said.

Hearing this cry, residents in the Rangga Mekar subdistrict chased down Abi and Ade and began beating them. The victims were pulled away from the mob by the head of a neighborhood unit, he said.

"Both men were brought to the village's administrative office, where they were safe. The men made the mistake of escaping, probably through a window.

"Seeing the men escape, the angry residents who were waiting for them got emotional and started beating the men, and beat them until they died," the eyewitness said. (21/ylt)