Northern Territory Police have arrested 15 people in relation to serious violence and weapons offences on Groote Eylandt.
On 1 August 2023, police received reports that up to 8 offenders had assaulted a man with various weapons, including spears, during a large incident of community unrest. Over the course of the incident, which involved up to 100 people, 3 other people were seriously injured with all 4 victims conveyed to Royal Darwin Hospital for treatment.
Investigations into the incident have been ongoing since the event. Yesterday, Alyangula officers with the assistance of Katherine detectives arrested 15 people aged between 15 and 47 in relation to a large number of offences.
As a result of the arrest operation over 60 homemade spears and a large quantity of various edged weapons were seized across the island.
All offenders involved are being charged with serious violence offences.
Acting Superintendent Warren Scott said “Community safety is the Northern Territory Police Force’s highest priority and this type of violent behaviour will not be tolerated.
“As a result of this incident a joint response was deployed to Groote Eylandt and the 15 arrests were made within a 12-hour window. This was exceptional work from officers on the ground.
“These weapons were likely to be used in the continued, large scale fighting that has already seriously injured 4 people. Thanks to the local officer’s efforts, they will now be destroyed.”
