Jackson International Airport heist 2016

The accused, 35-year-old Jeremiah Kundi, briefly appeared today before Justice Panuel Mogish.

He was committed to the National Court for trial on 19 September and is currently on K1000 bail.

Kundi was arrested on information or allegations made by an accomplice involved in the airport robbery of Nov 3, where K1.2m was stolen from Tropicair.

He was charged with robbery on allegations he aided two other accomplice by providing them with a pistol used in the robbery.

This is the second shooting of two criminals that were involved in the November 3, 2016, airport robbery.

The first was shot dead and his body was found in a drain along the Baruni road.

NCD Police boss Ben Turi says it is likely that criminal gangs may be involved.

Details of the cause of death are still unclear.

Investigations are ongoing.

(Suspect was found dead somewhere along this area)

In an exclusive interview with Loop PNG, NCD metropolitan superintendent, Commander Ben Turi, says he only authorised the first group of investigators who started working on the case after the robbery.

“I did not sanction the second group. I don’t know who authorised them.”

Turi says the new group of investigators just showed up and took over the case, accusing the initial investigators of being compromised.

However, the Met Supt alleges that the new investigators were previously involved in a high profile money case that is yet to be resolved.

NCD metropolitan superintendent, Commander Ben Turi, says two key suspects were apprehended after the robbery on Nov 3 and later released.

Unfortunately, one of them was found dead with two bullet wounds to his head last Monday.

Turi told Loop PNG the recovered bullet shell matches those that are used in police and military issued firearms.

“The bullet is from 5.56mm rifles used by police and army,” he explains.

However, he was not able to confirm whether the suspect was killed by rogue officers or criminals.

35-year-old Jeremiah Kundi was allowed K1000 bail today after he was remanded at Bomana.

He was arrested on information or allegations made by an accomplice involved in the airport robbery of Nov 3, where K1.2m was stolen from Tropic Air.

He was charged with robbery on allegations he aided two other accomplice by providing them with a pistol used in the robbery.