Police: 5 injured with slingshots

POLICE say five people were injured by slingshots following confrontations between two factions at a settlement in Wewak recently.
According to East Sepik police commander (PPC) Supt Albert Beli, the incident happened on Saturday at the Saksak compound.
Supt Beli said spear-like wires were used as ammunition for the slingshots.
He identified the main suspect as Daniel Iral, from Yangoru-Saussia, who is among three others still nursing wounds at the East Sepik health authority.
Supt Beli said Iral was a known troublemaker.
“On Saturday, while under the influence of alcohol, he (Iral) attacked some people from Saksak compound where a spear catapult was used in the incident and five people were injured.
Three of them are still nursing injuries to their legs, heads and stomach.
“Iral, the main suspect, and a victim, had a spear from the catapult on his stomach,” Supt Beli said.
“Once he is discharged he will be arrested.
“Leaders from the community (Saksak compound) have had enough of youths who when under the influence, continue to harass people, especially mothers and women,” he said.
Following a meeting with leaders from both factions on Monday, Supt Beli said both sides expressed concern about the rise in petty crimes associated with homebrew, drugs and gambling.
Supt Beli said an open discussion on lawlessness would be hosted at the Saksak compound and the public, including stakeholders, were welcome to attend and participate.
He noted that most of the problems in the communities stemmed from the abuse of drugs and homebrew.
He said they suggested that troublemakers in respective communities be evicted from urban settlements and sent back to their villages.
Beli said police in Wewak would start foot beat in communities to conduct awareness.
“We want peace and communities need to care for each other.”