7 SUSTAINED INJURIES IN GOROKA LLG ELECTION RELATED FIGHT
BY VICKY BAUNKE
SEVEN men have sustained serious injuries and received medical attention at the Goroka Provincial Hospital after a violent fight broke out in Goroka town earlier this week in relation to the LLG Election polling.
This reports were confirmed by the Goroka Provincial Hospital Acting Hospital Manager Dr Shirley ToMangana yesterday afternoon with this newsroom.
All those sustaining serious injuries are males between the ages of 20 to 50, however, no deaths have been reported in relation to the fight that broke out yesterday.
Among those injured 4 have sustained serious head injuries and were under the influence of alcohol who were attended to, Dr ToMangana said.
Other injuries included a patient with a fructured right leg while 2 have been observed for tissue softening injuries, she explained.
She said the Goroka Hospital Emergency Ward is on full alert and has managed to stabilise all casualties brought to the hospital yesterday afternoon.
Despite the nationwide shortage of drug supply, the staff at the Goroka emergency is doing its best to stabilise all emergency patients whilst managing outpatient and other ward patients at the hospital.
Police managed to disperse the fractions after several gun shots and restore order with a swift response from the Goroka Task Force Response Unit, however, a police brief on the fight is yet to be provided.
Eastern Highlands Police Commander Chief Superintendent John Kale says suspects involved in instigating the fight have been identified and will be arrested by police.
PPC Kale said the fight broke out following differences among supporters of two different candidates.
PPC Kale has also warned oppotunists in Goroka who are taking advantage of the instability to harass the public to refrain from it.
He warned that anyone within town caught carrying weapons or harassing the public in Goroka will not be tolerated and will be arrested, charged and locked up.
He re-assured that polling in other parts of the province since yesterday has been peaceful with no major incidents reported and will continue to tomorrow with counting expected on Friday.
