Bystanders and guards pursue robbery suspect

By GEORGINA KOREI

A MAN chased by bystanders and security guards after an alleged robbery on a shop in Port Moresby ran for his life towards a police station.
He was nabbed there by an officer while carrying some items from the shop.
The man, 27, was read his charge in court for allegedly taking more than K70,000 worth of goods and cash from Shong Tradings Limited last month.
Committal Court Magistrate Paul Puri Nii told Kava Mal, from Okapa’s Kimi village in Eastern Highlands, that his case was adjourned to May 9 for mention.
“You will be remanded in custody, but you are at liberty to seek legal advice from a lawyer to file a proper bail application for the court to consider,” he told Mal.
Police prosecutor Sgt Peter Samghy informed the court that a month’s adjournment was to give enough time for the case informant to complete investigations.
Police alleged that on March 17, at around 7am, Mal and his five accomplices held up Shong Trading in Boroko.
They allegedly took flex cards, Vodafone cards, shoes, handbags, CCTV’s main box, mobile phones and cash totalling K70,606.
As they were escaping in a getaway vehicle, Mal was late and was left behind at the alleged crime scene while his accomplices escaped.
He was then chased by security guards and bystanders in Boroko.
In fear of his life, he ran towards the Boroko police station.
He was still holding onto robbed items (a purple bag and boot).
Mal was then caught by duty police officer Jack Kopis with the exhibits in his possession. He was held at the station cells until March 25, when he was questioned, arrested and charged with one count of armed robbery.