Northern Territory Police Commissioner Martin Dole has condemned the violent unrest in Alice Springs following the arrest of a man in connection with the death of five-year-old Kumanjayi Little Baby. Speaking on Friday, Dole confirmed that one person has been charged and further charges are expected after a crowd of about 400 people gathered outside Alice Springs Hospital, setting a police car alight and damaging other vehicles.
The arrest of 47-year-old Jefferson Lewis late on Thursday sparked the unrest. Lewis, who had been sought since Sunday, presented himself to a town camp where he was subjected to a “sustained attack” by vigilantes, according to Dole. Police intervened, but were themselves assaulted, with one officer requiring stitches. Lewis was taken to hospital, where a large crowd later gathered, leading to violent confrontations.
Commissioner Dole stated that those involved in the violence would face the law, emphasising that “there’s one law, and that one law applies to everybody.” He described the unrest as “an aberration” from a community that had previously united to search for the missing child. Lewis has been transferred to Darwin for safety reasons and remains in police custody.
Senior Warlpiri elder Robin Granites, speaking on behalf of the family, appealed for calm, urging the community to focus on “sorry business” and respect the grieving process. “Our children are precious, of course we are feeling angry and hurt,” he said. “This man has been caught, thanks to community action, and we must now let justice take its course.”
NT Chief Minister Lia Finocchiaro acknowledged the grief but stressed that unrest was unacceptable. She announced temporary alcohol restrictions, including closed bottle shops on Friday and limited takeaway sales on Saturday, to help maintain order. The community continues to mourn Kumanjayi Little Baby, whose body was found on Thursday after she went missing from the Old Timers town camp.
