Four-armed criminals involved in the robbery of Diamond Brothers Supermarket in Kavieng have been apprehended and are now detained at the Kavieng Police Station.
New Ireland Provincial Police Commander, Chief Superintendent Albert Beli, confirmed that the four suspects, who were in the company of more than ten-armed criminals, were apprehended after police were alerted to the robbery.
He stated that the armed men, after robbing the shop, fled with an undisclosed amount of money and other valuable items before police were alerted.
PPC Beli said that, according to the police brief, it was alleged that two of the armed men, who pretended to be passengers in a taxi, tied up the taxi driver, drove off with his vehicle, and met up with the other armed men, who later returned to town to execute their robbery plan.
He said that after robbing the shop, the suspects drove off, fired five rounds of firecrackers, and headed towards Kavieng Airport when police were alerted.
“Police gave chase and caught up with the robbers. When they saw the police, they abandoned the vehicle at the edge of the airstrip and fled on foot. Police, in hot pursuit, caught one suspect and later apprehended another three, while the rest escaped.
“We will interview them all and establish the identities of the others. The amount of money stolen is yet to be confirmed by the store owner, along with the other items. Currently, an investigation is underway,” PPC Beli said.
He further added that the suspects who were apprehended are of mixed parentage and will be profiled and charged accordingly.
He said that with advances in technology, criminals will not get away if they attempt to commit such offences.
PPC Beli warned parents to speak to their children who are engaging in criminal activities.
He said that if criminals are armed, they will be shot, as the danger is imminent during a hot pursuit.