One shot dead in ambush, 4 arrested

By ZACHERY PER
POLICE shot dead one armed robber and arrested four of his accomplices in an ambush just outside Goroka town on Monday.
Eastern Highlands police commander Supt David Seine Jr said police were looking for two others who managed to escape after more than 10 armed men raided the new Istana Supermarket near Goroka market at 10.45am.
Supt Seine said the robbers fled with an undisclosed amount of cash and that the ambush was set up in Kama just outside town.
“Police responded quickly after the robbery and a team of policemen waited in ambush at Kama.
The policemen emerged from hiding when the robbers approached.
“One was shot dead on the spot while four suspects surrendered. Two others fled with the loot,” he added.
Supt Seine said the policemen were of the special New Year and Christmas crime-prevention extended operation in Eastern Highlands.
“We had peaceful New Year celebrations but now this robbery and a murder of a 40-year-old woman.
“This is surely not a good start to the New Year for Eastern Highlanders,” he added.
He said there was intelligence that outsiders were planning to commit crime in the province.
“All business houses must be on full alert as the criminals may be in police and military uniform. All are urged to report sighting of suspicious movements and behaviour,” he added.