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Two nabbed for a string of robberies in Tangerang
The Tangerang Police have arrested two of seven members of Pitam Kuning, a notorious gang of robbers who allegedly specialize in targeting minimarkets throughout the region
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he Tangerang Police have arrested two of seven members of Pitam Kuning, a notorious gang of robbers who allegedly specialize in targeting minimarkets throughout the region.
The two suspects were identified as Sadam Husein, 21, and Lili Rusli, 28. They were arrested while robbing an Alfamart outlet in Pasar Kemis on May 15, Tangerang regency police chief Sr. Comr. Bambang Proyi Andogo said on Monday.
“Officers apprehended the suspects after shooting them in the legs because one of them tried to escape while another resisted arrest,” he said.
According to police, Pitam Kuning Gang members have committed four robberies in Tangerang and South Tangerang since April.
On April 30, the gang members robbed an Alfamart store in Pasar Kemis and made off with Rp 3 million (US$324). They allegedly robbed an Indomart store on Jl. Raya Serpong for Rp 30 million in cash on May 4, and then robbed an Alfamart on Jl. Serpong on May 6, seizing Rp 35 million.
Police said the other five members managed to escape the May 15 raid. “We are still hunting the other five members. We have their identities and we are now tracking their whereabouts.”
Bambang said that Pitam Kuning is part of an organized and structured crime organization controlled by a man identified as Mr. P, who allegedly led a number of similar gangs in other regions.
Among their peers, the Pitam Kuning gang is known to have often used brute force, including murder, in carrying out their actions.
“Mr P, who usually rides a red Honda Jazz, directly controlled robberies in Tangerang, Jakarta, Bekasi, Surabaya and Serang. The Tangerang-based Pitam Kuning gang is led by Andre,” he said.
According to Tangerang regency police chief detective Comr. Shinto Silitonga, each regional gang leader takes 80 percent of the stolen money, while gang members divide the remaining 20 percent. A new member is only paid Rp 250,000 for a single robbery.
He said Pitam Kuning always used violence in recruiting new members by kidnapping the would-be member, using intimidation and torture. “The gang leaders would not be reluctant to shoot members who are proven not to be loyal.”
