Hela police crack down on hold-ups

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The National, Tuesday 28th March 2013

 By PETER ESOP WARI

TWO men were wounded yesterday but escaped into the bush at the notorious Ambua Gap after exchanging gunfire with police.

Sick and tired of constant hold-ups there, police warned: “Enough is enough. If it means shoot to kill, we will and we will never give up catching you dead or alive.”  

Ambua Gap, a section of the national highway in Hela, has been a place feared by many drivers and vehicle owners and a call for police to patrol the area eventuated this week.

However, the criminals switched their striking location and this time held up a PMV near Ambua Lodge, a few kilo­metres away from their regular hold-up spot.

After a tip-off, police called for extra manpo­wer and confronted the criminals which resulted in an exchange of gunshots and two members of the gang were hit but escaped into the nearby bushes.

Hela provincial police commander Supt Jimmy Onopia said despite li­mited resources and logistical support, police would be patrolling the road every morning and afternoon.