Two more killed by mobs

SEMARANG, Central Java (JP): Police proved helpless to stop mob lynchings when two more were killed on Monday by people who suspected them of being murderers of religious teachers.

Semarang regency police chief Lt. Col. Beno Kilapong said the victim killed in Branjang village, Ungaran district, was about 30 years old. As in earlier cases, the man was chased after failing to answer residents' inquiries.

Another victim was chased and died after falling on Jl. Brotojoyo, North Semarang. Semarang township police chief Col. Soenarko said the victim was not a "ninja", the term used in reference to suspected killers of scores of religious teachers and those thought to be practicing black magic.

"The victim was a chicken thief. When chased, he jumped over a fence and hit his head on the edge of a concrete gutter," Soenarko said, adding that the unidentified victim was chased because people thought he was a "ninja". There have been 32 deaths and dozens injured in Central Java because of the "ninja" rumor. (har)