Two prison escapees shot dead

TWO men were shot dead and three others hospitalised after an exchange of fire with police on Monday in East New Britain.
Acting provincial police commander Joseph Tabali said the two men had escaped from Kerevat Prison – Simon Kekep escaped in November and Tipol Wawaga two months ago.
Police last Friday launched a special operation to address the increase in major crimes in the province.
Tabali said police officers exchanged fire with a gang, which included Kekep and Wawaga, at Toboina/Raluan in the North Coast  of Rabaul at about 2pm on Monday.
Police found a pistol stolen from businessman Jeffrey Hongland’s residence at Kenabot near Kekep’s body and a home-made gun beside Wawaga. The three hospitalised were Francis Taure, Jack Robin and Frank Thomas who police believe were involved in recent robberies.
Tabali urged brothers Judas and Samuel Waninara to surrender themselves to police for questioning over the robbery at Hongland’s home.
Police began their operation following complaints from the public over the increase in crime in the province.
Tabali said the operations would continue for an indefinite period.