ENGKILILI: The body of 13-year-old Peter Heerema Sadan, who went missing last Tuesday and suspected to have been attacked by a crocodile, was found around 6pm yesterday at Batang Lupar river near Linggang Ulu Tekalong in Batang Air Hilir.
However, an hour later, the body was missing, said Lubok Antu police chief DSP James Jonathan yesterday.
At press time the police were still looking for the body but villagers claimed the body went missing when they were distracted by the arrival of a search and rescue team who came to retrieve the body.
Peter was last seen bathing at the river with his stepbrother Kelimin Bayang around 4.30pm before he went missing.
According to a villager, Peter was fetching water for his family which he collected in a container before asking Kelimin to send it home. After that, he was said to have jumped into the river for a bath.
However, when Kelimin returned to the spot Peter was nowhere to be seen.
The late Peter lived with his grandfather Derin Malong after his parents divorced. Kelimin also lives with Derin.
Sri Aman Fire and Rescue Services Department and Lubok Antu district police jointly formed a search and rescue team to locate his body.
Although James confirmed holding the joint operation he declined to say whether the case was a crocodile attack.
The body was supposed to be sent for post mortem before it went missing.
Borneo Post May 24, 2012, Thursday
