Pirate gang leader surrenders in Alotau

By ANGELINE KARIUS
THE leader of a gang of pirates which has been operating in Milne Bay for the past four years surrendered to the police on Monday.
Peidin Leo, from Mapamoiwa village in West Ferguson Island, handed over to the police a homemade gun with three bullets.
He was accompanied by another member of the gang.
Milne Bay provincial police commander Lincoln Gerari said the 34-year-old Leo was charged with armed robbery.
“He had been terrorising communities, especially in the village market area armed with a home-made gun,” he said.
“We believe the gang was involved in the SIL boat incident in April.”
Four police officers were sent to the island after several craft were held up by the gang.
Gerari said criminal activities in the area had decreased since the SIL shootout last year.
“People are now able to move around freely.”
He, however, warned parents to supervise their children after a 15-year-old girl was raped at Wadeka Park beach. A 15-year-old student has been charged.
It is believed that both the suspect and the victim are from the same primary school.
Gerari is expected to make a five-day visit to the island on June 20 to raise awareness.