Recreational area closed after drunken brawl

National

PEOPLE using the Wagang village beach front in Lae for picnics and leisure activities have been told the area has been closed indefinitely after an incident of unruly behaviour by drunkards on Sunday night, says village chairman John Jacob.
Jacob said he was forced to close the beach front to the public after a group of drunkards disturbed the peace in the area.
“They were enjoying their drinks but started arguing and fighting amongst themselves and by 8pm, the fight escalated into the village where the highlanders, who were drunk chased the villagers,” he said.
Jacob said a 15-year-old boy was injured in the incident and admitted to Angau General Hospital.
The matter has been reported to Malahang police.
“There are no other beaches in Lae for people to use and I’m sorry to say that our beach front will be close for use from this weekend and onwards, because of a few people misusing their privileges.”
Jacob said corporate entities that wanted to use the beach should write to him and the village law and order chairman David John a week early for consideration, so the movement of people in and out of the village was controlled.
He said those allowed to use the beach would need to vacate by 5pm.
Malahang police station commander Senior Const Lawrence Nomi confirmed the incident.
He said three men were injured during the incident on Sunday and taken to the hospital by his officers, however no formal complaint had been lodged.