A member of notorious outback gang the Jovi Boys has been stabbed during a violent clash in a remote aboriginal community in the Northern Territory.
The senior gang member, 23, suffered a chest wound during a wild brawl which erupted in Peppimenarti on Monday morning after a Toyota LandCruiser was used to ram a house.
Fighting spilled out into the street and young men then descended on the local medical clinic where the Jovi Boys member was taken for treatment, and began abusing staff.
Locals told the NT News the alleged knifeman fled into the bush after the stabbing.
Northern Territory Police said officers were looking for the offender and an investigation was underway.
“Earlier on Monday morning, a 23 year-old male was observed by police walking out of a clinic in Peppimenarti after receiving treatment for a laceration to his upper chest,” they said.
“Police spoke with the male regarding the injuries and an outstanding matter. Initial investigations suggest that the male was assaulted by a member of his family.
“The 23 year-old is continuing to assist police with their enquiries in relation to this and other ongoing matters.”
The incident comes after the Jovi Boys looted a social club in the remote community in February, stealing pallets of alcohol and destroying CCTV cameras.
The robbery sparked a stand-off between the gang and furious local families, and one resident said at the time the Jovi Boys had allegedly attacked the homes of families who had objected to their behaviour.
“We have a beautiful community… but these fellas are a problem. They have no respect,” the community member said.
All visitors to Peppimenarti are required to obtain a permit from the local aboriginal land council, a system which the West Daly Regional Council says helps protect the privacy of the community, preserve culture and heritage, safeguard the national environment, and preserve visitor safety.
Header image: Peppimenarti (West Daly Regional Council).
