Due to the act of stealing, a man in South Sumatra was sentenced in public by being forced to wear a paper necklace with the words ‘Saya Copet (I Steal)’ around his neck.
According to Tribunnews, the incident happened after the man was caught stealing at Pasar Ilir 16, IT 1 Palembang District on November 17.
The man, however, was not taken directly to the police station for investigation. The people in the market urged him to swear in front of the audience not to repeat his actions.
His story went viral after a video and photo on social media showing a man standing on a chair with a paper necklace around his neck, before swearing in public.
Also heard, the screams of a man believed to be a civilian there who warned of the consequences will be accepted by the suspect if the same incident is repeated.
Most citizens support the action to teach the suspect to repent of his actions. Ilir Timur 1 Police Chief, Hardiman confirmed that the incident took place in his province.
“It is true that the person was reported by the community to be suspected of stealing,” he said.
Hardiman said the sentence was given because the public urged the officer to make the alleged robber make a statement not to repeat his actions.
“Until that is done, but on the condition that after making a statement, the person is taken to the police for further investigation,” he continued.
To date, the suspect is still under investigation.
Source: Tribunnews