Lecturer killed in brawl

 By DOROTHY MARK

A LECTURER at the PNG Maritime College in Madang died after he was attacked at a market last Sunday night.

The deceased, Samson Kaukebia, was returning from visiting his in-laws at Alemo, in Erima, outside Madang, when a drunken youth standing around the market area swore at him as he drove past.

The deceased’s brother-in-law, Steven James, said Kaukebia then  stopped the vehicle, got out and went to question the youth as to why he was being sworn at.

James said after exchanging words with the drunken youth, the deceased then drove to the market.

While there, the youth approached Kaukebia and a fight broke out.

James said other drunken youths from the area then joined in.

“They hit him with branches and stones and cut him with bush knives and left him to bleed to death,” James said. 

The deceased’s other brother-in-law said he was with his wife and her sister and their children.

He said the mothers and their children were attacked as well and chased but they managed to escape into houses near the market.

The man said the women later contacted police who went to help them get home.

He said the deceased’s elder son tried stopping vehicles to help take his father to the hospital but they did not stop.

James said the son managed to take his father to the hospital but he was pronounced dead on arrival. 

Provincial police commander Sylvester Kalaut said the suspects have been identified and arrests would be made soon.