A community’s anger ended in a public killing
A shocking act of vigilante justice has unfolded in Gowa, Indonesia, where a village mob brutally murdered a 47-year-old man. The man, identified as Ali, was accused of the rape of a disabled woman, an allegation that sent waves of fury through the local community and culminated in a public lynching.
The incident began on November 30. An alleged victim was discovered severely beaten and deeply traumatised, sparking immediate outrage. Suspicion quickly fell on Ali, who locals claimed had a history of terrorising the area.
The Manhunt and Capture
As the community’s anger intensified, Ali went on the run. He initially sought refuge at a relative’s house before disappearing into dense, nearby woodland to escape the growing mob, according to local media reports. His attempt to evade capture was short-lived. He was a hunted man.
On December 3, after days in hiding, Ali emerged from the forest in search of food. He was immediately recognised by onlookers. Residents, who also claimed Ali was a burglar recently released from prison, wasted no time. The crowd descended on him, armed with sticks, stones, and machetes. The vengeance they sought was swift and merciless.
Disturbing footage of the event circulated, showing a large mob attacking Ali, whose hands and feet had been bound with rope. Reports from the scene described a horrific sequence of events, claiming vigilantes mutilated his body before parading his corpse through the streets. A convoy of motorcycles was seen dragging his lifeless body along a road while residents cheered.
Official Police Response
Authorities were quickly dispatched to the scene to restore order. Senior Adjunct Commissioner Muhammad Aldy Sulaeman, the Chief of Gowa Police, confirmed that officers were sent to Rappolemba Village to manage the volatile situation.
“We can confirm that several videos have circulated regarding an alleged assault against an individual. In relation to this incident, we have liaised with the Tompobulu Police. Based on the reports we received, the situation at the location is now under control.”
The police chief stressed that the authorities were taking the matter seriously and implementing measures to prevent further unrest. He acknowledged the initial reports that fueled the community’s rage but emphasized the need for a formal investigation.
“We don’t want to underestimate the situation, and we are making checks and increasing security measures to keep the situation under control. The initial information we received indicates that the person concerned was suspected of rape. However, we will continue to investigate this matter to determine the exact chronology of events.”
An Ongoing Investigation
A multi-departmental police effort is now underway to piece together the events that led to the killing. The response highlights the seriousness with which the Indonesian authorities are treating both the alleged rape and the subsequent lynching. The personnel assigned to the case represent a significant mobilisation of law enforcement resources.
The teams involved include:
- The Gowa Police’s medical team for the post-mortem examination
- The Samapta Unit (Public Order and Security)
- The Criminal Investigation Unit
- The Intelligence Unit
- The Community Policing Unit
These units, accompanied by the local police chief, have also coordinated their efforts with the South Sulawesi Regional Police Department. The investigation aims to clarify the timeline of the initial crime and identify the individuals responsible for the brutal mob killing, an act that has left a dark stain on the community.