South Australian police are investigating the death of a 59-year-old man following a violent disturbance involving a large group of people on the remote Aṉangu Pitjantjatjara Yankunytjatjara Lands.
Officers were called to Pukatja at about 10:50am on Sunday after receiving reports of a major fight. The community is located roughly 30 kilometres south of the Northern Territory border in South Australia’s far north-west.
Police said the man was believed to have been involved in the disturbance before seeking medical assistance at the local clinic.
Despite receiving treatment, he later died. Investigators are now examining whether his death resulted from a medical episode rather than injuries directly sustained during the confrontation.
Authorities described the incident as a violent disturbance and remained in the community to interview witnesses, speak with those involved and continue inquiries into the circumstances surrounding the man’s death.
No arrests or charges had been announced at the time of the report, and police had not released further information about what triggered the fight or how many people participated.
The APY Lands cover approximately 103,000 square kilometres and form a large Aboriginal local government area in remote north-western South Australia.
Police have urged anyone with information about the disturbance or the man’s death to contact Crime Stoppers.
