Sea pirate arrested after 11 years of evading

By MICHELLE AUAMOROMORO
A SUSPECTED sea pirate who has been evading police for 11 years was arrested on Dec 6, and appeared in the Waigani Committal Court on Tuesday.
John Hokaea, 40, from Iori village of Ihu in Gulf, was the main suspect who had allegedly planned and executed robbery of three fishing vessels belonging to United Seafood Ltd on April 22, 2008.
Hokaea, with his accomplice Rudy Haiveta and 20 others, approached the vessels that were anchored at Ela Beach between 8pm and 10pm while dressed in police uniforms.
They allegedly threatened, harassed and assaulted the crew and locked them up in the cabin of the mother ship, MV Niugini Dragon.
Hokaea and his team allegedly stole cash and valuables belonging to the crew.
They also stole properties from the three vessels and destroyed some of the equipment before fleeing in two dinghies.
Haiveta was arrested that same night, convicted and jailed.
He allegedly told police during interview that Hokaea was the mastermind behind the crime.
Magistrate Cosmas Bidar said that being charged with sea piracy was the same charge as armed robbery on land, so Hokaea would remain in custody.
The matter will return to court on Jan 16.