Baker’s allies caught

By CLIFFORD FAIPARIK
POLICE have arrested a gang leader and eight of his accomplices believed to be allies of wanted criminal Tommy Baker during a raid on an island in Milne Bay on Friday.
Provincial police commander Supt Peter Barkie said the man was the leader of a group of thugs operating in the waters of Esa’ala district, committing crimes such as sea piracy.
“The suspect was arrested on Friday on Fergusson Island with eight other members of his gang during a raid,” he said.
“They are all in custody at the Alotau police station and are being processed to determine their charges.”
They are expected to appear before the Alotau District Court today. This gang is part of Baker’s syndicate in the province,” Supt Barkie said.
“They always assist Baker’s gang, providing logistics, resources, manpower and other assistance.”
He said similar gangs which operated in Kiriwina-Goodenough and Samarai Murua were all part of Baker’s syndicate.
It is believed that Baker and his gang operated mostly in Alotau town and district. “But all gangs help each other out when it’s needed,” he said.
“During this special police operation to hunt down Baker and his gang, we are also going out after the other gangs which operate in other districts and are close allies.”
Supt Barkie said two members of Baker’s gang allegedly involved in burning down of the Water Police barracks, breaking into shops and stealing on April 29 and 30 appeared before the Alotau District Court on Friday.
Stanley Ambane, 22, of Dobou/ Begasi village, Esa’ala, and Eddie Livinai, 22, of Waidoga village, Kiriwina-Goodenough, were charged with six counts each of armed robbery and break-in, stealing and three counts of unlawful use of a motor vehicle.
They appeared earlier charged with one count each of arson.
Supt Barkie said two members of the Baker gang made their first court appearance on Friday.
Frank Joseph, 21, of Wahuguba village in Alotau and Abel Ronney, 22, of Wailalaia village also in Alotau faced six counts each of armed robbery and break-in, entering, stealing, three counts of unlawful use of motor vehicle and one count each of arson.