http://www.postcourier.com.pg/20090102/frhome.htm
Bloody New Year
By TODAGIA KELOLA
THE killing of an Air Niugini pilot and the murder of a father trying to rescue his daughter from criminals were among five New Year deaths reported by police in Port Moresby.
NCD operations superintendent Chief Inspector Andy Bawa said the pilot was stabbed to death as he was leaving a major hotel in Port Moresby.
According to the police brief, there was an argument inside the hotel between the pilot and some others guys gathered there to celebrate New Year.
After witnessing the New Year, he left and was walking to his vehicle when he was allegedly stabbed. The man, whose parents were from Manus and East Sepik, died on the spot.
Another wilful murder occurred at the Erima Wildlife settlement when a man from Enga was attacked after 15 men went to his house and tried to abduct his daughter.
He went to rescue his daughter but the mob turned on him and bashed him to death.
Two other people who tried to help him were also attacked.
Both are in a critical condition at the Port Moresby General Hospital. Ten suspects have been detained by police.
The third murder was reported at Vanapa along the Hiritano Highway where a man returning from a function was stabbed to death.
The other two deaths are a result of two separate motor vehicle accidents in NCD and Central Province. One was reported to have occurred at Gaire along the Magi Highway (see separate report) and the other one was at the citys Waigani traffic lights.
Police say the one at Waigani was allegedly caused by drink driving. The driver of the vehicle did not stop for the red light, police say, and ran into another vehicle.
One person died instantly and three others were admitted to the Port Moresby General Hospital.
A police officer, who declined to be named, said most of these deaths could have been avoided if there had been a total ban on alcohol during this festive period because most of these deaths were linked to alcohol consumption.
Meanwhile, Port Moresby residents kicked off New Year celebrations at Ela Beach when they witnessed fireworks at 7pm and were entertained by various musicians before going back to their homes to wait for the New Year.
Many flocked to nightclubs in the city and partied all night with friends and relatives while some treated it as just another night of the year and slept through the noise and revelry of the New Year celebrations
