Kimbe shootout
By MADELEINE AREK
KIMBE was the scene of gun fights over the Easter weekend, with police exchanging fire with suspected criminals in one incident, and with their own colleagues in the second last Saturday.
In the first incident, police and a group of men, believed to have been involved in the attempted abduction of a female nursing officer at Section 10 earlier in the week, exchanged gunfire at about 10am as the gang tried to escape from their hide-out at Bush Camp.
A gun fight ensued before police shot five of them.
West New Britain provincial police commander Richard Mulou said police had staked out the place throughout Friday night after receiving a tip-off.
He said as the men tried to escape that morning, they encountered his men and a gun battle ensued.
“Police shot five of them, seriously wounding three while the other two escaped,” Mr Mulou said.
“We managed to pick up one that same day and are keeping a close tab on the other, whose whereabouts are known.
“The one we have picked up is currently in custody while the other three are currently under observation at the hospital. Two have serious leg wounds while the third suffers from a collapsed left lung.”
Mr Mulou said police believed the gang was responsible for a spate of robberies in town a few weeks prior to the incident last Saturday.
He said the same police issued firearms – a .38 revolver and a pump action shotgun – were used in all of them.
He did not say how the firearms ended up in the hands of criminals.
In the other incident at Bayside Club last Saturday evening, two policemen believed to be attached to Lae police, were involved in a scuffle with their colleagues in Kimbe before an exchange of gunfire occurred between the factions.
The two policemen, believed to be on holidays and doing work for a private company were disarmed and the incident reported.
Mr Mulou confirmed receiving the 9mm pistol and pump action shotgun that was used by the men.
He said he did not know whether their engagement was approved by police headquarters or their bosses in Lae or whether they were on approved leave of absence as claimed by the two men.
He said however, they have been cooperating with him.
“In light of the Kandrian murder involving the two McGregor-based mobile squad members, I strongly suggest that the management come out very clear on such arrangements with private companies. I am contemplating having them arrested and charged,” Mr Mulou said.
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