Twelve dead in Papua New Guinea after store robbery, rollover and police shootout

Incident follows days of gun violence in the town of Kimbe

By LineZotpaper AI staff

Published26 October 2026

Read Time2 min

Twelve men are dead in Papua New Guinea after an armed robbery in Kimbe turned into a vehicle rollover and a shootout with police, according to Police Commissioner David Manning.

Police Commissioner David Manning said a group of armed men robbed a trade store in Kimbe, the capital of West New Britain province, on Monday morning and tried to flee in a stolen vehicle. The vehicle rolled over as the men attempted to escape police, killing several of them, he said in a statement.

"Those not seriously injured in the vehicle rollover subsequently drew weapons and chose to open fire on police officers," Commissioner Manning said. "Police standing orders and the law are clear, when a criminal raises a weapon they will be stopped."

Police have not said how many of the men died in the crash and how many were shot dead. One man, believed to be the group's leader, survived and is in custody. Officers found stolen cash and a "sizeable quantity" of weapons and ammunition in the vehicle, the commissioner said. Police photos from the scene show at least 10 seized guns, most of them apparently makeshift. The ABC understands about 4,000 kina ($1,500) and a large quantity of cigarettes were stolen from the store.

The commissioner called the outcome a warning to criminals and said the Royal Papua New Guinea Constabulary "will not shy away from enforcing the law". He also appealed to young people involved in gangs: "There is still a way forward for young people who have been drawn into gang life. I call on them to turn away from violence, reconnect with their families and communities, and choose a lawful and productive future."

The deadly incident followed days of gun violence in Kimbe. On Friday, a group of gunmen allegedly robbed a public motor vehicle near the town. Police Minister John Pundari said a lone officer exchanged fire with the group, killing one gunman. Police then came under fire twice in less than 24 hours, the ABC understands. On Sunday night, a gunshot hit a police vehicle, narrowly missing a sergeant. Yesterday morning, a high-calibre round was shot through the driver's side of another police vehicle's windscreen, with no officers hit.

Police are investigating the four incidents and have not said whether they believe they are linked. Mr Pundari praised police for confronting criminals, saying "these incidents demonstrate that police will respond forcefully".

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Analysis

Why This Matters

The deaths cap a week of escalating gun violence in a provincial capital, testing police tactics.
The police response, including shooting at a fleeing group after a crash, is likely to be scrutinised.
The survivor's prosecution and any link between the four incidents will shape public confidence in local policing.

Background

Kimbe is the capital of West New Britain province, on the island of New Britain. Armed robbery and gang activity have been recurring problems in parts of Papua New Guinea, and police in the area have now faced four gun-related incidents in recent days. The commissioner's appeal to young gang members indicates official concern about recruitment into gang life.

Key Perspectives

David Manning, Police Commissioner: said the men chose to open fire after the rollover, that police stopped them under standing orders, and that the outcome is a warning to criminals. John Pundari, Police Minister: praised West New Britain police for confronting criminals, saying the incidents show police will respond forcefully.

What to Watch

Whether police deem Friday's PMV robbery, the two shootings at police vehicles and Monday's store robbery linked.
The fate of the surviving suspect and any charges laid.
Whether further police operations follow the commissioner's warning to criminals.

Sources

Twelve dead in PNG after car rollover and police shootout · ABC News

Checked

12 claims in this story checked against 1 source: 10 supported.

Show each claim

SupportedTwelve men died after a store robbery, vehicle rollover and shootout with police in Papua New Guinea.Just In: “Twelve men are dead after holding up a store in Papua New Guinea before fleeing and crashing their vehicle, then engaging in a shootout with police.”
SupportedThe Kimbe incident followed days of gun violence in the town.Just In: “The deadly incident came after days of gun violence in Kimbe.”
Partly supportedThe 12-death toll is according to Police Commissioner David Manning.Just In: “Twelve men are dead after holding up a store in Papua New Guinea before fleeing and crashing their vehicle, then engaging in a shootout with police. Police Commissioner David Manning said a group of armed men robbed a trade store”
SupportedThe store robbery happened on Monday morning.Just In: “Police Commissioner David Manning said a group of armed men robbed a trade store in Kimbe, the capital of West New Britain province, yesterday morning”
SupportedManning said those not seriously injured in the rollover drew weapons and opened fire on police.Just In: ““Those not seriously injured in the vehicle rollover subsequently drew weapons and chose to open fire on police officers,” Commissioner Manning said in a statement.”
SupportedManning said police standing orders and the law require officers to stop a criminal who raises a weapon.Just In: ““Police standing orders and the law are clear — when a criminal raises a weapon they will be stopped.””
SupportedPolice have not said how many men died in the crash and how many were shot dead.Just In: “Police have not said how many of the men died in the crash and how many were shot dead.”
Partly supportedThe surviving man is believed to have led the group and is in custody.Just In: “One man, who police believe led the group, survived and is now in custody.”
SupportedAbout 4,000 kina ($1,500) and a large quantity of cigarettes were stolen from the store.Just In: “The ABC understands about 4,000 kina ($1,500) and a large quantity of cigarettes were stolen from the store.”
SupportedPolice photos show at least 10 seized guns.Just In: “Police photos from the scene show at least 10 seized guns, most of which appear to be makeshift.”
SupportedManning appealed to young people drawn into gang life to turn away from violence, reconnect with family and community, and choose a lawful future.Just In: ““There is still a way forward for young people who have been drawn into gang life,” he said. “I call on them to turn away from violence, reconnect with their families and communities, and choose a lawful and productive future.””
SupportedGunmen allegedly robbed a public motor vehicle near Kimbe on Friday.Just In: “It began on Friday when a group of gunmen allegedly robbed a public motor vehicle, or PMV, near the town.”