joint team comprising personnel of the criminal investigation departments of the Makassar Police and the South Sulawesi Police have arrested four suspected kidnappers of Hanum, a 1.5-year old baby girl, in Makassar.
The suspects identified only as Yus, Riz, Anw and Ay, kidnapped the toddler at noon on Tuesday.
The Makassar Police’s criminal investigation department director Adj.Comr. Anwar Hasan said that based on information given by the suspects during interrogations, the kidnapping was initiated by Yus in revenge against Hanum’s parents.
“Yus said he was bothered by the victim’s parents, whom he viewed as arrogant,” Anwar told The Jakarta Post on Wednesday.
(Read also: Baby girl reportedly kidnapped in Makassar)
Yus is a relative of Hanum’s parents. He asked his three friends to help kidnap Hanum. The toddler was kept for 10 hours at the house of Ay, one of the suspects.
The baby girl was found wandering alone by local residents on Jl. Telkomas, Tamalanrea, Makassar, at 9:30 p.m. local time on Tuesday.
Anwar said the suspects intentionally left the toddler on a street at the Telkomas housing complex. “Fortunately, a housewife found her and handed her over to Tamanlanrea Police office,” he said.
Mery, the housewife who found Hanum, changed the baby’s clothes and gave her milk. The toddler was calm when she was with Mery, the police said.
Hanum has been returned safely to her parents. The four suspects were charged with violating Law No. 35/2004 on child protection with a minimum sentence of three years in prison. (ami/ebf)
Share your experiences, suggestions, and any issues you've encountered on The Jakarta Post. We're here to listen.
Thank you for sharing your thoughts. We appreciate your feedback.
Quickly share this news with your network—keep everyone informed with just a single click!
Share the best of The Jakarta Post with friends, family, or colleagues. As a subscriber, you can gift 3 to 5 articles each month that anyone can read—no subscription needed!
Get the best experience—faster access, exclusive features, and a seamless way to stay updated.