A robbery attempt in Kimbe has ended with 12 armed men dead after surviving occupants of an overturned getaway vehicle allegedly exchanged gunfire with police on Monday morning.
The confrontation has prompted a strong warning from Police Commissioner David Manning, who said authorities would not allow armed criminals to endanger officers and members of the public.
Police said the group had allegedly targeted a trade store and tried to escape in a stolen vehicle. The vehicle overturned during the attempted getaway, killing several occupants, while others who survived the crash reportedly drew firearms and fired at police.
One suspect, believed to be the alleged ringleader, survived and was taken into custody.
Officers also recovered stolen currency, firearms and ammunition from the vehicle, according to Mr Manning. Investigators are continuing their inquiries, and a report will be submitted to the Coroner.
The Commissioner said police had a duty to protect communities from violent offenders and would continue to confront criminal gangs that used firearms to carry out robberies.
He also appealed to young people who had become involved in gang activity to reconsider their choices and pursue lawful opportunities.
“Our stance against criminal gangs is firm, but there is still a way forward for young people who have been drawn into gang life,” Mr Manning said.
Meanwhile, Police Minister Sir John Pundari praised police personnel in West New Britain for responding to two armed robbery incidents within the past four days.
The latest incident follows Friday's robbery of a public motor vehicle near Kimbe, where a lone police officer confronted the alleged offenders. A gunfight followed, leaving one suspect dead as the remaining men escaped into the bush.
Sir John said the incidents reinforced the government's position against the illegal possession and use of firearms.
He encouraged people holding illegal guns to surrender them through the firearm amnesty, which offers an opportunity to hand in weapons without fear of prosecution.
“These incidents demonstrate that police will respond forcefully to remove firearms who elect to use illegal firearms,” he said.
“The firearm amnesty provides a clear opportunity for people to surrender illegal firearms without fear of prosecution, and they should take advantage of it.”