By BIBIAN BARRENG
A POLICE have apprehended and charged a notorious criminal for a string of armed robberies, killing of a police officer in West New Britain province, attempted killing of another officer in Lae, and robbery and theft of money and gold bars in Port Moresby.
William Kapris Nanua, 29, from Karapia village in Yangoru district of East Sepik province, was charged following his apprehension at Gerehu at about 5am yesterday morning.
He was charged under Section 386 (1) (2) (a) (b) (c) of the Criminal Code Act for allegedly robbing the Metals Refinery Operations (MRO) Limited office and illegally using a vehicle reportedly belonging to MRO.
He is expected to appear before the Waigani Committal Court today.
Police also reportedly detained two men yesterday for questioning after they allegedly tried to bribe cell guards in their attempt to bail out Kapris.
Sector patrol commander Snr Insp Ben Turi, while in the company of Gerehu-based officers, trailed Kapris’ vehicle from the main Gerehu round-about all the way to Stage Six.
He said they learnt of his identity after sighting his name on a clinic book reportedly belonging to his child, during a search of the vehicle.
Police Commissioner Gari Baki when contacted yesterday commended the officers involved in the apprehension of Kapris.
He said Kapris had been wanted for a string of serious criminal activities.
The police Crime Stoppers community programme on EMTV had over 12 months, ran Kapris’ picture in an attempt to gain community support to nab him.
Police, during their investigations, had been briefed on several locations in NCD where Kapris reportedly stayed and were about to take out search warrants, when they apprehended him yesterday.
The charges against Kapris stem from the armed robbery on the night of Feb 14 this year by armed men dressed in camouflaged police uniforms, who held up a guard at MRO and got him to lead them to the residence of a female staff member, who reportedly had the pin code and combination for the safe.
The MRO office safe was opened and the gang helped themselves to K78,000 in cash and K2,060,115.56 worth of gold bars, nuggets and other gold ornaments.
Police said Kapris was likely to be slapped with more charges including escaping from lawful custody, murder, kidnapping and armed robberies after consultations have been made with police officers in Wewak, Lae and other sections of police investigations in NCD.