The Bougainville Police Service (BPS) said it was making progress with investigations. Photo: supplied
A shootout on the main street of Buka, the biggest town in Bougainville, in the middle of the day last Friday, left one person dead and another wounded.
Bougainville Minister of Police John Bosco Ragu said a four-person gang had targeted prominent local export company, Sankamap Ltd, as staff arrived to complete their banking.
A female staff member was robbed of K$50,000 that had just been withdrawn from the Bank of South Pacific (BSP).
Bosco Ragu said a shootout with police ensued, during which one of the robbers shot by his colleagues because he was lagging behind.
The injured man was a customer at the bank, queuing to see a teller.
Bosco Ragu called for an end to this sort of criminal behaviour because it will paint a bad image of Bougainville as it prepares to seek independence from Papua New Guinea.
The Bougainville Police Service (BPS) said it was making progress with investigations.
BPS Northern Command chief inspector Janarius Vosivai said more arrests are expected to be made this week.
"One more person has been arrested, and a firearm has been confiscated by police, a 303 assault rifle, which is now held by police", he was quoted as saying by New Dawn FM.
"I appeal again, for public support of police and the joint effort of everyone to keep Buka town safe and free of crimes or lack of respect of rule of laws, to our unique customary traditions and practices for people and our visiting friends", he said.
