The Makassar Police in South Sulawesi have charged five members of a bike gang with violating Articles 362 and 363 of the Criminal Law Procedures Code on theft
he Makassar Police in South Sulawesi have charged five members of a bike gang with violating Articles 362 and 363 of the Criminal Law Procedures Code on theft. The charges carry a maximum sentence of five years in prison.
The suspects were arrested on the evening of Sept. 20 as they were engaged in a drinking spree with around 25 other gang members on Jl. Adhiyaksa Baru in Makassar. Four of the suspects are 17 years old, while the fifth, identified as Arya, is 19.
Makassar City Police chief Sr. Comr. Fery Abraham said that based on preliminary investigations, the suspects were involved in robberies at a number of locations.
'They have been identified as the motorcycle gang members responsible for committing robberies in five locations in Makassar, including at four coffee stalls. They have admitted to their actions,' Fery said on Monday.
Furthermore, he said, the police were still investigating whether the suspects were involved in a recent attack in the city that left three people dead.
'We are still building the case,' he said.
Under questioning, one of the suspects said they had committed the robberies under the orders of an Indonesian Military (TNI) member in Makassar. Fery said the police had not investigated this claim.
'That's what they claim, but they can't prove it. We are still investigating and seeking eyewitnesses and evidence for their claim,' Fery said .
Over the past few months, biker gangs have allegedly been attacking residents with sharp weapons, primarily bows and arrows, causing the deaths of three people and injuries to many more.
Makassar Mayor Mohammad Ramdhan Pomanto revealed that he had authorized police to take stern measures against gang members who commit crimes, and that he had requested support from the TNI to deal with the problem.
His administration is joining forces with the police and Wirabuana Military Command by forming a joint team tasked with wiping out Makassar's motorcycle gangs through preventive and repressive measures.
The team will start by targeting schools.
'Starting this week, the joint team will work to wipe out the gangs. Besides searching for criminals, we will also provide counseling in order to prevent students from joining motorcycle gangs. This is for the sake of their future,' Fery said.
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