NTT Police investigate fatal shooting of livestock theft suspect in West Sumba

The East Nusa Tenggara (NTT) Regional Police are deploying a team to West Sumba to investigate a fatal police shooting involving a suspected livestock thief. The incident occurred on Tuesday morning when police attempted to apprehend JT, a 39-year-old resident of Kampung Wai Makapal.

According to police reports, the operation began in the early hours of Tuesday, resulting in the arrest of three other suspects: ASBL, 46; KY, 35; and YKM. During the subsequent attempt to secure JT at his residence, authorities claim he resisted by swinging a machete at officers. Despite three warning shots fired into the air, JT allegedly attempted to flee, leading officers to take action to incapacitate him. JT sustained a gunshot wound to his right shoulder and was pronounced dead at RSK Lende Moripa hospital shortly after being transported for emergency care.

The shooting has sparked significant local unrest, with hundreds of residents gathering at the West Sumba Police Station to question the necessity of the lethal force. In response, NTT Police Public Relations Head Kombes Pol. Henry Novika Chandra stated that the team will conduct a thorough review, including an examination of Standard Operating Procedures (SOP), to ensure the action was objective, transparent, and professional.