PNG Police Seek Public Help After BNBM Robbery in Rabaul

Papua New Guinea Police in East New Britain have called on relatives, friends and associates of men wanted over the BNBM warehouse robbery in Rabaul to assist investigators by providing information about their whereabouts.

Provincial Police Commander Amanda Kates said urgent medical attention was needed for suspects believed to have suffered gunshot wounds during the incident, and appealed to those sheltering or assisting them to come forward.

East New Britain Provincial Police Commander Amanda Kates

The robbery occurred on the eve of Independence Day when eight men allegedly armed with three homemade firearms, bush knives and a flare entered the BNBM Industrial warehouse in Rabaul.

Police said the group travelled to the town in a stolen 10-seater Land Cruiser before carrying out the attack.

During the incident, the branch manager was attacked with a bush knife and sustained serious injuries to his head and hands. He was later flown to Port Moresby for specialised medical treatment.

Commander Kates said property taken during the robbery was estimated to be worth about K20,000. Among the items were two boxes of new Samsung mobile phones and five mobile phones belonging to staff.

Armed guards from NKCL responded to the attack and opened fire, reportedly hitting three of the suspects.

The injured group members then fled in the stolen vehicle while police and NKCL security personnel gave chase.

The pursuit ended at Tovuru, where the suspects abandoned the vehicle before escaping into nearby bushland.

Commander Kates urged people in the community to support police efforts and immediately report information concerning criminal activity.

"Families and associates of the suspects are urged to come forward with information on their whereabouts, particularly as medical intervention is urgently required for those injured," Commander Kates said.