Twelve dead after robbery in Kimbe

Twelve suspects who robbed a retail outlet in Kimbe Town this morning were killed in a crossfire with police while they were attempting to flee in a getaway vehicle.

Police Commissioner, David Manning in a press statement confirmed that while attempting to escape in the stolen vehicle, the getaway car overturned and rolled over resulting in the deaths of some of the suspects.

According to the statement, the remaining suspects who were not seriously injured when the vehicle overturned, drew their weapons and opened fire on police leaving police officers with few options but to return fire.

The Commissioner clarified that police standing orders are clear in that when a criminal raises a weapon, they will be stopped.

Commissioner Manning confirmed that 12 gunmen died in the incident while one suspect, believed to be the ringleader survived and is now in police custody.

“Police officers recovered stolen currency, as well as a sizable quantity of weapons and ammunition from the vehicle,” he clarified.

Commissioner Manning says investigations into the incident are continuing and a report will be prepared for the Coroner.

Manning called on youths to turn away from crime lead productive lives.

“Our stance against criminal gangs is firm but there is still a way forward for young people who have been drawn into gang life. I call on them to turn away from violence, reconnect with their families and communities and choose a lawful and productive future,” he said.

Police Minister, John Pundari also commended the quick intervention by Kimbe police.

“I commend those police officers on the frontline in West New Britain Province who have confronted criminals involved in two-armed robberies over the past four days,

“This follows an event last Friday when a group of gunmen robbed a PMV near Kimbe and were confronted by a lone police officer. Following an exchange of gunfire, one gunman was killed while the remainder ran away into the bushes,” Minister Pundari said.