Two robbery suspects shot dead by Police in Kimbe

Two men suspected of being involved in a string of armed robberies in East New Britain and New Ireland provinces were shot and killed by police in Kimbe early this morning.

Acting Provincial Police Commander [PPC] Chief Inspector Fred Kaiwa confirmed the fatal incident, stating that the suspects were gunned down by police after being cornered at Laleki in Kimbe Town.

According to PPC Kaiwa, two firearms and a quantity of ammunition were recovered from the suspects during the operation.

The targeted operation was carried out by members of the Talasea-based Police Mobile Squad 19, following a tip-off about the suspects' movements. Police were alerted that the group allegedly responsible for recent robberies in Kokopo and Kavieng had travelled to West New Britain by boat.

Kaiwa further revealed that the deceased suspects were allegedly involved in the armed robbery and killing of a security guard during one of the incidents in Kokopo.

“Police intelligence confirmed the group had returned to Kimbe after the robberies. Our officers acted swiftly to intercept and neutralize the threat,” Chief Inspector Kaiwa said.

Investigations are ongoing, and police are working to identify other members of the gang believed to still be at large.