A gang-related stabbing occurred near the Robert Burns Statue in the Octagon early on the morning of Saturday the 18th of February. One man was hospitalised with stab wounds and another was arrested and faces charges. It is believed the long-standing rivalry between Black Power and Mongrel Mob gangs was the cause of the incident, although no parties were known to be wearing gang patches.
Inspector Sparrow of the Dunedin Police said that he was “not expecting any escalation in violence in the near future. The offenders have been locked up.” Police will be maintaining highly visible foot patrols in North Dunedin and the central city throughout the Orientation period, and students should not be concerned about their safety. Inspector Sparrow stressed that “students should look out for their mates, especially young females, and watch how much they drink during O-week.”
Dunedin is not renowned for extreme gang violence, though gangs are present in the city. Last year a man was shot in the arm near Pine Hill, prompting gangs to increase their numbers in the city in preparation for conflict. Police successfully mediated the situation and the rivalry had cooled recently.
After recent events Critic advises freshers to avoid the Octagon on Saturday nights at all costs. Editor Joe Stockman released a statement early yesterday, noting that “the Octagon is only meant for grownups anyway. First-years should really stay at the Cook or MonkeyBar.”
Break out your flat-peaks, the Octagon just got gangsta.
