Armed thugs shoot, kill driver

National

A COMPANY driver was shot dead in an attempted robbery by eight gunmen in Bulolo’s Wau, Morobe, on Thursday.
Wau Police Station commander Snr Insp Leo Kaikas said the driver was with three others in the vehicle on their way to Lae on an administration run when the gunmen ambushed them on the Wau back road.
“We believe the gunmen were trying to hijack the vehicle or were trying to rob them,” he said.
Snr Insp Kaikas said about eight men armed with guns and other weapons stopped the company vehicle and while trying to rob the occupants, the driver shot dead at point blank.
“They tried to steal the vehicle to make their getaway, but it was was locked so the gunmen fled on foot,” he said. Wau police were alerted and arrived at the scene about 10 minutes later and managed to arrest three suspects who were now being interrogated and locked up in the Wau Police Station.
Morobe rural commander Chief Insp John Daviaga said police believed the gunmen were all residents of Wau town and “we are working to get the other suspects who are still on the run and are hiding in Wau”.
Chief Insp Daviaga said this should be a warning to business houses in Wau to seek police assistance when trying to transport huge amount of money either to Bulolo or Lae.
“Such incidents will need quick response from police but unfortunately, Wau police could not make it on time as we have only one vehicle and fuel supply is also another hiccup,” he said.
Chief Insp Daviaga called on communities in Wau to come forward with information on any sighting of suspects.
“Your identity will be protected,” he said.
“Inform the police or call us on phone.
“If anyone is harbouring the suspects, we will deal with you too.”