Eight athletes go on rampage

VENDORS at Erima market in Port Moresby have alleged that eight members of Team Southern Highlands for the 4th PNG Games have destroyed their goods which were on sale at the market on Saturday afternoon.
The eight athletes, who were reported to be under the influence of alcohol, walked into the informal sector market at Erima and started destroying the betelnut, cigarettes and other items which were on sale by the vendors.
Their rogue behaviour led to a fight between the vendors and the eight athletes.
It was very fortunate, according to street vendor, Wayaleko Saubsmau, that the task force unit from the McGregor police barracks intervened and dispersed the crowd.
Mr Saubsmau reported that vendors lost more than K15,000 worth of their market items and cash during the melee.
They have stated the athletes were here in the capital city to play sports representing their provinces but it is unfortunate that these athletes went on the drinking spree and ended up causing problems at the informal sector market damaging vendors’ goods for sale.
Mr Saubsmau and his brother Henry Takayu are now appealing to the management of Team Southern Highlands to discipline the eight athletes, whose identities are known to them.
According Mr Saubsmau and Mr Takayu, the eight athletes were in their full team uniform when they went on rampage.
“We will be visiting the team at their camp at Gerehu Secondary School and identify those trouble makers and will make sure that these athletes are disciplined thoroughly and should not take the field,” Mr Takayu said.
Meanwhile, Team Southern Highlands chairman Robin Melike, told The National yesterday, in an interview that he was not aware of the incident involving the eight athletes.