Twelve Gunmen Killed In PNG Police Shootout In Kimbe

Twelve armed men have died following a confrontation with police in Kimbe, West New Britain, after an attempted trade store robbery escalated into a gunfight on Monday morning.

Police Commissioner David Manning said the men had allegedly robbed a trade store before attempting to escape in a stolen vehicle. Their getaway ended when the vehicle overturned, leaving several occupants dead or injured before surviving suspects allegedly opened fire on responding officers.

Mr Manning said police recovered stolen money, weapons and a substantial quantity of ammunition from the vehicle. One man, believed to be the group's leader, survived the incident and remains in police custody.

Weapons used by the twelve men who were shot  dead in gun battle/ Photo supplied

According to the Commissioner, officers came under fire after the vehicle crashed and those who were not seriously injured drew weapons and attacked police.

“Police standing orders and the law are clear when a criminal raises a weapon they will be stopped,” Mr Manning said.

He described the incident as a warning to criminal groups involved in armed robberies, adding that the Royal Papua New Guinea Constabulary would continue to act against those who threaten public safety.

Investigations are continuing, with a report to be prepared for the Coroner.

Mr Manning also urged young people involved in criminal gangs to abandon violence and return to their families and communities, saying there remained an opportunity for them to choose a lawful future.

Police Minister Sir John Pundari commended officers for their response, noting that police had confronted armed suspects in two separate robbery incidents in the Kimbe area within four days.

He referred to an earlier incident on Friday when gunmen allegedly robbed a public motor vehicle near Kimbe before exchanging gunfire with a lone police officer. One suspect was killed, while the others fled into nearby bushland.

Sir John said the incidents demonstrated the need to remove illegal firearms from communities and urged people to take advantage of the firearm amnesty to surrender their weapons.

“The firearm amnesty provides a clear opportunity for people to surrender illegal firearms without fear of prosecution, and they should take advantage of it.”