Allegedly Persecuted By Police, Recidivist In Makassar Dies While Arrested

Illustration of persecution (ANTARA)

A recidivist named Darmawan (47) died when he was arrested by the Makassar Police Criminal Investigation Unit (Jatanras), South Sulawesi, on Jalan Tinumbu, Bungaejaya Village, Bontoala District, on Wednesday. It is suspected that Darmawan was persecuted when officers tried to make arrests.

Kasatreskrim Poltabes Makassar AKBP Ridwan Jason Maruli Hutagaol, revealed that the man who died was the perpetrator of the crime of motorcycle and cellphone theft.

Ridwan explained that the perpetrator was also a recidivist with six police reports (LP) registered on his behalf.

Ridwan revealed that in an effort to arrest him, the perpetrator was drinking alcohol with his colleague and was involved in a fight with the officers when he was about to be arrested.

When he was about to be taken to the Police Headquarters, the perpetrator suddenly fainted and died on the spot.

"During the arrest, our members arrested the perpetrators who resisted, the perpetrators suddenly lost consciousness. Then the community carried out an attack, so we secured the attack," said Ridwan in his statement, Thursday, August 24.

Even so, the authorities still do not know the exact cause of the perpetrator's death and are waiting for the results of the autopsy.

Ridwan stated that the truth about the alleged cause of Darmawan's death could only be proven after the results of the examination and autopsy came out.

In an amateur video that has been received, the man reportedly died due to several injuries to his body. The arrest of the perpetrator, a resident of Jalan Bunga Eja, Tallo District, Makassar City ended in a commotion and attracted the attention of local residents.

The perpetrator's relative, Hafid Muchtar (41), revealed that information from residents at the scene indicated that Darmawan was beaten by police officers while gathering with his colleagues.

"I was not at the location. I heard the news that he died as a result of being beaten by police officers, even though I didn't know the number," he said.

As a result of this persecution, Darmawan was seriously injured which resulted in death at the scene.

"From what I saw with my own eyes at home, there were wounds around the temples, legs, chest. I saw the pants, but I didn't know for sure," he continued.

Hafid also expressed his disappointment because his relatives were abused by police officers. For him, the apparatus should protect and guard, not even make someone lose their life due to acts of violence.

"We demand justice," he said.