Two wounded, one detained on account of python

JAKARTA (JP): Two of three men who caught a 40-kilogram python snake were rushed to hospital on Monday, not because of the reptile, but because one of the three attacked the other two with a machete.

It all began when three residents of Cilincing, North Jakarta, Yayah, 25, Suwando, 30 and Ribut, 30, found the snake by the Cilincing-Cakung canal on Monday, Cilincing police chief Adj. Comr. Reinhard said.

The three then agreed to sell the snake to the Ragunan Zoo in South Jakarta and divide the money among themselves. The snake was put into a large basket and was kept in Ribut's house. It was agreed then that Ribut would look for a vehicle to transport the snake, while Yayah and Suwando would be responsible to watch the snake.

"When Ribut returned to his house he found the snake missing," the policeman said.

Reinhard said a furious Ribut then went to Suwando's house and found that the snake was there.

Feeling betrayed, Ribut went back home to get a machete and returned to Suwando's house. Suwando and Yayah were about to take the snake somewhere when Ribut arrived.

Without saying a word, Reinhard said, Ribut struck Yayah on his left shoulder and Suwando in the neck with the machete.

Several neighbors then rushed the seriously injured Suwando and Yayah to Koja Hospital in North Jakarta while Ribut was picked up by police.

"We made a deal that we would share the money equally after the snake was sold, but they stole the snake from my home as they found a local resident who was willing to buy the snake at a higher price," Ribut said as quoted by a police officer.

Both Ribut and the python were taken to the Cilincing police station. (01)