Robber nabbed after getaway car overturns

By PISAI GUMAR
LAE city has recently experienced two failed attempted robberies as the busy Christmas shopping period looms.
The declaration of the fighting zone also ends in January.
Police intercepted and apprehended the two suspects who drove from Tent Siti and Bumayong to the University of Technology in a stolen getaway vehicle. They had tried to rob the coffee shop in the campus.
Police set up a road block at the road junction leading to the Igam barracks, Bumayong and Tent Siti way.
The thugs upon seeing the police roadblock fired at them. An exchange of fire ensued between the two groups. The driver of the stolen vehicle was shot and lost control of the vehicle when he tried to speed past the roadblock.
The vehicle overturned on Butibam Road. The wounded driver escaped into nearby bushes. His accomplice from Watabung, Eastern Highlands province was held for questioning.
The vehicle belonged to the Wampar local level government, Huon Gulf district and used by the manager Wesley Komboni.
Komboni and a relative were held up at East Taraka on Sunday night at 11pm. They were beaten, tied up before the thugs drove away.
Huon Gulf district administrator Tony Ase said Komboni was “at the wrong place at the wrong time” and not on official duty.
Last week, a man who attempted to rob the Westpac Bank in Top Town was arrested by members of the public.
Lae metropolitan commander Supt Nema Mondiai could not disclose further information.
Police said the declaration of Lae as a fighting zone and the liquor ban remained until the end of January and have warned youths to refrain from crime after police from Port Moresby and Wabag returned to their provinces.