New charges for gang members

By TREVOR WAHUNE
THE 11 gang members of criminal Tommy Maeva Baker who were arrested for a series of crime committed in Alotau have been slapped with 25 additional charges.
The charges were laid against Judah Yawie (24), Boas Izod (25), Asigau Jack Rakatani (19), Keily Hoada (36), Clive David Apabo (22) and Percy Modudula (25) and was read to them in the Waigani Committal Court yesterday before Magistrate Cosmas Bidar.
Bidar said the charges include “nine counts of arson, two counts of murder, six counts of armed robbery, two counts of break and enter stealing, four counts of illegal use of motor vehicles, and one count of willful damage,” Bidar said.
Bidar said the nine counts of arson were for the burning down of eight policemen’s houses at Misima police barracks in Alotau and the burning down of the provincial police commander’s vehicle.
“There were about 30 to 40 men who started executing their plans at between 7pm and 8pm that started marching into Goruboi Street from nearby settlements (Niugini and Suau),” Bidar said.
“Half of the men were armed with high powered guns, while half of the them were armed with weapons like crow bars, axes, and bolt cutters, and some were even wearing body amours and helmets.
“When at the junction of Garuboi Street and Mahuni Street they saw a white Land Cruiser (10-seater) driving towards them on Mahuni Street, near Alotau Elementary School.
“They started firing shots at the vehicle, thinking that it was police, however they shot the Milne Bay provincial legal officer Michael Efi.
“They then robbed Efi and his wife, who was with him of their personal belongings, while Efi was wounded, his wife watched them helplessly.
“The accused and their accomplices then advanced to Misima police barracks, and started shooting into the barracks and burnt houses.
“A mother Patricia Maia, and her seven-year-old son Zarca Kington were also burnt in one of the house, that belong to Jonathan Nefoti who was their relatives.”
Household properties damaged totalled K501,239.80. Then in town, the accused and their accomplices forcefully opened Boboana Supermarket, looted items and robbed K220,000 in cash.
“The accused then advanced to Milne Bay provincial administration building, held up guards and unlawfully took two land cruisers.
“They drove to Alotau International Hotel, looted it, broke an ATM machine and took K274,000 in cash.
Bidar said they also stole a Toyota Hilux belonging to manager of the Ela Motors branch in Milne Bay.
The case returns on April 8.