Criminals surrender to police, now no more crime

By JAMES GUMUNO
MORE than 40 men involved in criminal activities surrendered to police on Boxing Day in Komo-Magarima, Hela.
Police commander Martin Lakari told The National from Tari yesterday that men from Ambua village, known for setting up illegal roadblocks along the Ambua section of the highway, came out on Wednesday and said “no” to all forms of criminal activities.
Lakari said the Ambua section, connecting Tari and Koroba-Lake Kopiago to the rest of the province, experienced regular roadblocks and robberies.
He said Hela was now a much-safer place given that these men had vowed to stop their criminal activities.
Lakari said the men assured him and his officers at the surrender ceremony that they would take ownership of the Ambua section of the road.
They said they would not allow anyone from other villages to come in and carry out criminal activities.
Lakari said the men also promised not to use guns in stealing, killing or tribal fight.
He said the surrender was a big breakthrough for security forces, church leaders, a local and national leaders.
Lakari said the Ambua section of the road was now free for the travelling public to use.
“I want to thank the youths for giving up their bad habits and live a good clean life,” he said.
Lakari also thanked local leaders and churches for playing a vital role in transforming communities.
He said the people of Hela celebrated Christmas peacefully.