POLICE believe the failed robbery of about $4 million outside the Westpac Bank in Honiara was well planned and not coincident.
Provincial Police Commander (PPC) for Central Police, Jack Balaga said it was a first degree robbery because of its brutal consequence.
Mr Balaga said the robbery had also put the lives of the travelling public at risk because the car escaped dangerously westward on high speed.
However, Balaga joined Police Commissioner to thank the public for helping them apprehend the suspects and recovered 95 percent of the stolen money.
Solomon Star understands police and other public cars chased the escaped-car which resulted in it crashing at Kakabona.
One eye-witness said it was a horrific sight, seeing the man in the mask chopped the hand of the security guard.
He said the incident happened in broad daylight when the footpath in front of the bank was jammed with people.
“I heard the security guard cried out loud after the attack,” the eye-witness said.
Three suspects are held in police custody. The fourth is still at large.
By EDDIE OSIFELO
