Indonesian cashier stabbed 22 times photographs her own wounds, sends WhatsApp plea for help
An Indonesian cashier who was stabbed 22 times during a robbery at a payment office in Riau survived long enough to send a bloodied photograph to colleagues via WhatsApp seeking help, before police later arrested a suspect allegedly behind the attack.
- A cashier survived 22 stab wounds after a robbery at a payment office in Pelalawan Regency.
- Police arrested a 27-year-old suspect two days later after tracing him to Pekanbaru.
- Investigators allege the stolen Rp76 million was used for online gambling and loan repayments.
A 25-year-old Indonesian woman was stabbed 22 times and left severely injured after a man robbed a payment office in Pelalawan Regency, Riau province, on Wednesday afternoon, in an attack captured partially on closed-circuit television before the perpetrator destroyed the camera. Police arrested a suspect two days later.
The incident occurred at approximately 17:00 local time on 17 June at a payment office on Jalan Lintas Timur KM 43, Kiyap Jaya village, Bandar Seikijang sub-district, Pelalawan Regency. The victim, identified as Putriani Tamba, was working alone as a cashier when the attacker entered the premises.
According to Pelalawan Police Chief AKBP John Louis Letedara, the suspect — later identified as Joni Alpadli, 27 — arrived at the office by motorcycle and pretended he needed to use the toilet. Upon noticing the victim was alone, he launched his attack.
"The perpetrator pinned the victim, threw her to the floor, stood on her head, and threatened her to hand over the money in the safe," John told kumparan on Friday.
When the victim screamed for help, the attacker panicked and reached for a pair of scissors, stabbing her repeatedly. He then used a screwdriver to continue the assault.
Victim handed over keys under duress
"In a severely injured condition, the victim ultimately surrendered the safe key to the perpetrator. The perpetrator then took approximately Rp76 million in company funds," John said.
After seizing the money, the attacker went to the office bathroom to wash his hands. He then returned to the victim to ensure she was incapacitated, stabbing her again. Before fleeing, he also destroyed the CCTV camera at the location in an attempt to conceal his actions.
CCTV footage captured before its destruction showed the suspect wearing a grey T-shirt and camouflage trousers.
Victim photographs injuries to summon help
Despite her critical condition, Tamba managed to photograph herself and send the image to a WhatsApp group to summon assistance.
"The victim sent a photo of herself injured and covered in blood to her colleague via WhatsApp, asking for help because she said she was about to be killed," John said on Thursday.
Two colleagues, Agung Pratama and Harun Effendi, immediately rushed from their workplace at PT SIL to the office of PT MPT upon receiving the message. Upon arriving, they found the door closed and enlisted help from nearby residents before entering.
"When they entered the cashier's room, they found a lot of bloodstains on the floor. The victim was seen sitting with her head resting on the table in a semi-conscious state, her entire body covered in blood," John said.
Tamba was evacuated to RS Efarina Hospital in Pangkalan Kerinci for medical treatment. An initial examination by medical staff found she had sustained approximately 22 stab wounds to her head, abdomen, and shoulders.
Police confirmed during a crime scene investigation that Rp76,184,860 in company cash had gone missing from the premises.
Using available footage and identity information gathered during the investigation, police traced the suspect to the city of Pekanbaru, where he had fled.
"The perpetrator has been secured," John told kumparan on Friday.
He added that the suspect resisted arrest. "When the arrest was carried out, the perpetrator put up resistance, so officers were compelled to take firm and measured action," John said.
Motive: online gambling and loan repayments
Investigators established that Alpadli had planned the robbery in advance, having previously identified the office as a target.
"The perpetrator already had the intention to obtain money by robbing," John said.
Examination revealed that the stolen funds were used to finance online gambling and to repay online loans. Police recovered Rp36 million still in the suspect's possession.
"Part of the remaining money had already been used by the perpetrator. It is also known that the perpetrator had thrown some of the money into his parents' house, intending to return money he had previously taken from his family," John said.
Alpadli is currently held at Pelalawan Police headquarters pending further proceedings.
