Family claims William Kapris was shot by Police after he surrendered

The family of the late William Kapris - the country's most popular criminal, claim he was shot dead after he had surrendered to police.

Kapris's elder brother, Brian, told NBC News yesterday afternoon, they've been informed both Kapris and accomplice Raphael Walimini had both surrendered when caught by police along the Hiritano Highway on Monday afternoon. 

This comes as the public also question the manner in which both criminals were killed. 

William Kapris

Police Commissioner Tom Kulunga said in a news conference on Tuesday, both men were killed in an exchange of gunfire during a high speed car chase along the highway near Doa Rubber Plantation.

But photographic evidence show only massive wounds to the lower limbs of both men's bodies.

Eyewitnesses say, both men were shot at and also cut with knives on their legs, and an external post mortem yesterday also confirmed knife wounds. 

Brian says the family do not condone Kapris's criminal activities, but what happened was inhuman, and the family will pursue the matter in court, after his burial.

NBC News sent a series of questions to Police Commissioner Tom Kulunga on Wednesday, through the Police Media Unit, and is awaiting his response. 

Meantime, Brian says although Kapris had stolen millions from his criminal activities, his family did not benefit from any of the stolen money.

Family members in Port Moresby have moved the bodies of Kapris and Walimini to the Funeral Home.