By: STEVEN DANIEL

RAWANG, MALAYSIA - Four highly wanted armed robbers-cum-rapists were gunned down when they charged at police with parangs and sickles after being cornered following a car chase here.

The men, all Indonesians, had defied police warnings to surrender. Instead, they ran towards the policemen during the 6.45am in- cident yesterday.

The group was believed to be involved in at least 15 robberies and rapes in the Klang Valley, said Selangor police chief Deputy Comm Datuk Khalid Abu Bakar.

"This was a very violent group and they did not hesitate to hurt or rape their victims during robberies.

"We strongly believe they were the ones who broke into the home of Muar Umno division committee member Datuk Kadar Shah Sulaiman Ninam Shah on June 21, where the maid was also raped," said DCP Khalid.

Police had received a tip-off that four men in a car were be- having suspiciously near the Selayang wet market at around 6.15am.

A police patrol from the Selangor serious crimes division was sent there and they saw the four in a gold Proton Waja.

Before police could approach them, the car sped off, and a high-speed chase ensued.

The car exited at Rawang enroute to Kuang, and the driver even switched off his lights to try to avoid detection.

Instead, the car ended up in a drain.

The suspects hurried out from the car and charged at the policemen with weapons, after which police opened fire.

Police recovered three machetes, a sickle, two screwdrivers and a metal cutter from the group.

DCP Khalid said police believe there were still several other gang members at large, and were investigating if the group had committed crimes in other states.

He added that the gang members would normally return to Indonesia after amassing enough money from the robberies here.

--The Star/ANN