Journalist arrested for drinking in a public place

A journalist who is employed by one of our weekly newspapers was arrested by the police on Sunday for drinking in a public place.

National Capital District Metropolitan Superintendent Warrick Simatab confirmed that the suspect was at Five Mile with a friend at around 2:30 PM, consuming liquor on the roadside at Kanage Street.

He said that while on a motorist patrol, the police sighted the two, conducted a stop-and-search, and found alcohol in their possession.

The police officers then apprehended them and brought them to the police station, where they were detained.

"During their apprehension, the journalist did resist arrest, but the police used reasonable force to apprehend him, put him inside the police vehicle, and took him to the police station where he was detained.

After he was sober, the police officers formally charged him and brought him to Boroko Police Station to be detained, where he could post bail.

"Because alcohol is one of the major contributing factors to lawlessness in the city, the police will be on alert to confiscate and destroy alcohol that is consumed in public places," Metsupt Simatab said.

The Metsupt also called on the public to respect their neighbors while celebrating in their respective areas as two murder cases reported and accidents reported in the city during the Christmas period were alcohol-related.

"My appeal now to all city residents is to respect each other and celebrate the new year peacefully. Celebrate responsibly and respect police officers if they approach you to tell you that they have received reports that you are not respecting others," Metsupt Simatab said.