Manager shot in Lae

SEETO Kui Group’s risk manager was shot on his left arm by robbers who ambushed his car along Lae’s Montoro Street on Tuesday.
A policeman in pursuit of about seven robbers was also shot on the right side of his shoulder in a gun battle.
However, police have managed to round up an undisclosed number of suspects for interrogation in connection with the attempted robbery.
Acting Lae Metropolitan Superintendent Chief Insp Chris Kunyanban said the risk manager, believed to be a Filipino, was rushed to a hospital and was reported to be in stable condition.
“The policeman, wounded by pellets, was also treated in the hospital and discharged later,” he said.
Kunayanban said the robbers, armed with a rifle, a pump-action, pistols and home-made guns, had hired a blue coloured Toyota Land Cruiser for use in the attempted robbery.
“The robbers parked their vehicle by the roadside and waited in ambush.
“When the risk manager drove out of his company warehouse, the robbers blocked the road with their vehicle. They jumped out of their vehicle and started shooting in an attempt to grab the money.
“The armed risk manager retaliated and shot back.
“The risk manager was hit and the robbers ran back into their vehicle and sped away.”
Kunyanban said a police response unit on patrol spotted the robbers’ getaway vehicle at the Bugandi roundabout and a high-speed car chase ensued.
“The robbers stopped their vehicle on Kapiak Street, rushed out and started shooting at the policemen,” he said.
“One policeman was injured and the robbers fled on foot and escaped in nearby settlements.”
Kunyanban said police suspected the robbers had inside help and that was a good lead in their investigations.
He urged the public, especially businessmen, to be wary of their security because of the festive season and use police toll free telephone line during emergencies.
He said businessmen must take extra security precautions when carrying cash, adding that crime in Lae was at a manageable level but assaults was getting common.