Police shoot dead gang member

National

A MEMBER of a gang was shot dead while others were injured when Lae police raided their hide-out at the back of West Taraka.
Lae Metropolitan Superintendant Anthony Wagambie Jr described the operation as a major breakthrough for police in their fight against organised criminals.
He commended his officers for their efforts to ensure that those who broke the law must be brought to justice.
“Several suspects were injured during the shoot-out. Many managed to escape down the cliff with injuries,” he said.
He said police were able to confiscate a rifle, seven home-made guns, nine radios, live ammunition and uniforms from a security firm and a service station.
“These criminals were the ones who robbed Pelgens and Lae International Hotel and they have been involved in other robberies as well,” he said.
Wagambie told The National that the rifle had been stolen from Northern police.
“Police have now retrieved the rifle and other weapons that have been used to commit crimes in the city,” he said.
He said they were able to neutralise the gang involved in a spate of robberies in Lae and caused a lot of fear to the business community and the public.
“There is still more work to be done and we have names of people supporting and financing those criminals therefore they will be held responsible for their actions,” he said.