World · East Asia & Pacific · 3 hrs ago
12 men die after robbery and shootout with police in Papua New Guinea
Twelve men died after a store robbery ended in a shootout with police in Kimbe, Papua New Guinea.
Police say the group robbed a trade store and fled in a stolen vehicle, which overturned as they tried to escape.
Some men died in the crash, and others were shot after opening fire on officers, but police have not said how many died in each part of the incident.
One man believed to have led the group survived and is now in custody.
Police seized weapons, ammunition and stolen cash from the vehicle.
The incident followed several days of shootings in Kimbe, but police have not said whether the incidents are connected.
Police are investigating all four incidents, and the commissioner has urged young people involved in gangs to turn away from violence.
Twelve men died after an armed group robbed a store in Kimbe, Papua New Guinea, and clashed with police while trying to escape.
The men fled in a stolen vehicle, which rolled over as police pursued them.
Police said some men who were not seriously injured in the crash opened fire on officers.
One man believed by police to have led the group survived and is in custody.
Police have not said how many men died in the crash and how many were shot.
- Who
- Twelve men died. One survivor, believed by police to have led the group, is in custody.
- What
- An armed group robbed a store, fled in a stolen vehicle and exchanged fire with police after the vehicle rolled over.
- When
- Monday morning, according to the report published on Tuesday, October 27, 2026.
- Where
- Kimbe, the capital of West New Britain province, Papua New Guinea.
- Why
- The group robbed the store. The sources do not state why they did so.
This story does not have two clearly opposing sides.
A group of gunmen allegedly robbed a public motor vehicle near Kimbe, and a lone officer exchanged fire with them, killing one gunman.
A gunshot hit a police vehicle and narrowly missed a sergeant inside.
An armed group robbed a store in Kimbe, fled in a stolen vehicle that rolled over, and engaged in a shootout with police.
- Deaths
- 12 men
- Location
- Kimbe, West New Britain province
- Survivor
- One man believed by police to have led the group is in custody
- Seized weapons
- Police photos show at least 10 guns, most appearing to be makeshift
- Stolen cash
- About 4,000 kina, according to the ABC
What people are saying
Those not seriously injured in the vehicle rollover subsequently drew weapons and chose to open fire on police officers
Police standing orders and the law are clear – when a criminal raises a weapon they will be stopped.
I call on them to turn away from violence, reconnect with their families and communities, and choose a lawful and productive future.
These incidents demonstrate that police will respond forcefully