Police kill 2 in robbery shootout

TWO men are dead following a shootout with police during an armed robbery on Manus on Sunday.
Manus police commander Chief Insp Kiweri Kesambi, said nine men armed with homemade guns and bush knives allegedly robbed a Chinese shop,Yuyi Trading, in Lorengau town between 2pm and 3pm on Sunday.
Kesambi said the robbers allegedly took a substantial amount of money, cigarettes, flex cards, and other goods before fleeing towards Katen Tingou settlement in ward five.
He said police chased one of the suspects who fled to his home.
Kesambi said the suspect had attempted to shoot with his homemade gun when police in defence shot the suspect dead.
“A homemade gun with a 12-gauge cartridge was found loaded in the gun when it was confiscated,” he said.
He said another suspect who was injured during the robbery died at the Lorengau General Hospital.
He identified the two deceased as Geoford Pare, of Riuriu village, Los Negros, Manus, and Junior Mundra, of Kawaliap village, Tetidu, Manus.
He said both were wanted criminals, who were allegedly involved in committing a string of crimes and had pending court cases.
“Nothing has been recovered at the moment and we have launched an operation to apprehend the other suspects,” Kesambi said.
In another case, Kesambi said a large quantity of drug was confiscated on Sunday and suspects were in custody awaiting court appearance.
He said a policeman from the Lorengau Police Station was arrested for allegedly helping a prisoner to escape custody.
He said the policeman was in custody awaiting court.
Kesambi said the officer was suspended from duties.