Three killed in failed robbery

 THREE men who were allegedly part of a gang were hacked to death on Wednesday night during a robbery along the Wau-Bulolo Highway, in Morobe.

The dead, identified as Chris Rave from Saurere, Garaina; Jessie Kapiro from Menyamya, and Ronald Ilawong, from Finschhafen, were killed by some settlers after they tried to rob a PMV near Wara-Wau.

Morobe provincial police Commander Chief Supt Kaiglo Ambane yesterday said the three were part of a gang that attempted to rob passengers on a PMV that was bogged down near Wara-Wau.

Ambane said a passenger on the PMV escaped to the nearby MMJV and Boring settlement and reported the incident.

“The settlers retaliated and chased the gang into the bushes where three of them were chopped to death,” Ambane said.

“The gang was earlier in the day dispersed by Wau police but they returned in the evening and began terrorising the public.”

Police said the incident happened between 7pm and 10pm about 2km from the Wau Police Station. Ambane said those involved in the killings would be arrested and charged by police.