Nightclub owners warned

By JIMMY KALEBE
POLICE have warned people who employ females in their businesses not to involve them in illegal activities to make money.
Lae acting Met Supt Chief Insp Chris Kunyanban yesterday came out in support of acting Deputy Comm (operations) Donald Yamasombi who had raised the concern that some foreign-owned nightclubs were involving female employees in illegal activities such as prostitution.
Yamasombi said police were closely monitoring activities in these clubs.
Some nightclub owners responding to the police warning denied that they were involved in illegal activities.
Kunyanban said Lae also had nightclubs and such illegal activities could be happening there.
“We cannot let our girls and women while being employed by those nightclubs exposed to such activities.
“It is wrong. Any nightclub owner found to have been, or are doing this (will) be arrested and charged,” he said.
Kunyanban urged members of the public especially women and girls who may have some information on the matter to contact police so that investigations can be carried out.
“If a formal complaint is officially registered with the police against a club or lodge, then we can initiate an investigation,” he said.
“We have to protect our women from such exploitation happening today.”
Kunyanban said offenders could face a charge of encouraging prostitution.
He called on nightclub and lodge owners to protect the rights of vulnerable people such as women.
“Such act must be dealt with immediately to stop any future occurrence,” he said.
He said such immoral acts could lead to a rise in social problems.