East New Britain PPC – Chief Superintendent Amanda Kates, has provided detailed insights into two major incidents that kept the community and the police busy over the Independence Anniversary period.
According to PPC Kates, at around 8:15am on Tuesday morning (15 September), a group of eight-armed men robbed the BNBM Warehouse in Rabaul. They were armed with bush knives, three homemade firearms, and a flare gun.
Prior to the robbery, the offenders had earlier stolen a Toyota Land Cruiser with registration number HAT 739, which they used to travel to Rabaul to carry out the robbery.
PPC Kates said that the offenders stormed the warehouse and attacked the Branch Manager. The Branch Manager was attacked with bush knifes causing serious injuries to his head and hand. He was evacuated to Port Moresby to receive specialized medical treatment. Aside from the manager, no other staff members were injured during the incident.
“The suspects stole two boxes of brand-new Samsung mobile phones and five individual phones from the staff. The total value of the stolen property is estimated at K20,000. No other property was reported stolen,” said Kates.
"The police assisted by security personnel from NKCL pursued the Land Cruiser to Tovuru. However, the offenders fled into the nearby bushes and are still at large."
“We are appealing to the families and friends of the suspects to come forward and notify us of their whereabouts. The injured offenders require urgent medical attention, and we urge the community to assist us in bringing them to justice,” said Chief Superintendent Kates.
Moreover, ENB police were kept busy from 15 to 16 September managing the community events, especially the return of Gurias with the DEM Cup and Independence Day celebrations.
Kates said, the community at large celebrated with enthusiasm and respectfully, with nil reports of any major incidents at organized events within the communities of Rapindik, Kokopo, Warangoi and Kerevat.
“Unfortunately, a few individuals engaged in excessive alcohol consumption, which led to fights and disorderly conduct. These disturbances, especially near Kabakaul, kept our officers busy into the early hours of this morning. We intervened swiftly to restore order and ensure public safety,” said PPC Kates.
The police urge anyone with information on the whereabouts of the robbery suspects to come forward and assist in their apprehension.
Meanwhile, the community's cooperation during celebrations was commended by PPC Kates as police in the province will continue their efforts to maintain peace and ensure community safety.