Five of the 32 people, identified as DR, MH, AC, LB and HI, have been detained at the South Sulawesi Police office for allegedly committing criminal acts. The remaining 27 officers reportedly committed ethical and disciplinary violations.

Police spokesperson Sr. Comr. Frans Barung Mangera said sanctions imposed on the 32 personnel, who were mostly second brigadiers, were based on evidence, including CCTV footage from the mayor’s office.

Barung said, however, that they had not yet been named suspects. “We are still investigating the case further. Let the investigation team members, from both the South Sulawesi Police and the National Police headquarters, look deeper into the case,” he said.

Meanwhile, 25 Satpol PP personnel from the Makassar administration have been questioned. As of Tuesday, one person was still being detained at the Makassar Police office while five others were subject to mandatory reports at the office. They have not yet been named suspects.

The fight between the police officers and Satpol PP personnel at City Hall was triggered by a quarrel at Losari Beach in Makassar on Saturday evening, which led to an attack on a police officer from the South Sulawesi Police’s Sabhara.

Several hours later, dozens of police officers attacked the mayor’s office. Satpol PP personnel fought back, leading to a large brawl between the institutions’ personnel. One police officer, Second Brig. Michael Abraham Rieuwpassa, died of a stab wound to his lower back.

Meanwhile, Satpol PP member Hamzah is being treated at Stella Maris Hospital in Makassar for a stab wound to his back that entered his lung. (ebf)

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