EX CONVICT SHOT DEAD IN ATTEMPT ROBBERY

By Martha LOUIS

AN ex-convict previously jailed for murder was shot and killed by police during a failed armed robbery at a gravel pit near Nadzab, outside Lae.

The man, Andrew Nelson from Koroba in Hela Province, had been convicted of murder in 2020 and sentenced to 13 years. Part of his sentence was suspended, and he was released under strict conditions to behave and stay out of trouble.

Lae’s Metropolitan Commander, Chief Superintendent Chris Kunyanban, said Nelson had been involved in armed robberies in different provinces and had escaped police custody in Popondetta as well.

“After his release, he continued committing crimes. We’ve been tracking him,” Kunyanban said.

Around 2am on June 13, police got a tip-off about a planned robbery at a Chinese-owned gravel pit. Officers responded, and during a clash with the gang, Nelson was shot and died at the scene.

“It’s sad to see someone waste a second chance. When you ignore the law, you put everyone at risk,” Kunyanban said.

He warned others breaching parole or suspended sentence rules that police will not back down.

“Keep committing crimes, and we’ll come for you,” he said.

Police are now looking for Nelson’s accomplices, who are also known to them.