Suspect dead, one recaptured

By CLIFFORD FAIPARIK
A MAN wanted for sea piracy was killed while another piracy suspect was recaptured in Milne Bay, acting Southern police commander Chief Supt Rigga Neggi says.
Chief Supt Neggi said the deceased, along with the other suspects, were wanted for a string of violent crimes, including armed robbery, rape and arson, allegedly committed in Esa’ala and Alotau over a five-year period.
He said that police on Fergusson Island received a tip last Monday of a sighting of wanted criminal Nicholas “Nicho” Robert at Wakekanasaido village.
Chief Supt Neggi said local policemen attempted to arrest Robert but he attacked them with a weapon and was shot in the leg.
He was transported on a dinghy to the Alotau General Hospital for treatment but died along the way.
Robert, wanted for a string of crimes, had been in hiding for several years.
Meanwhile, Chief Supt Neggi said police last Sunday recaptured another wanted criminal, Ezra Wilson Menesi, dubbed the “Boss” who was wanted for several major crimes.
“Menesi was wanted for sea piracy, armed robbery and rape and had been detained at the Alotau Police Station where he escaped and was on the run until he was caught last Sunday,” he said.
Police on Fergusson Island conducted a dawn raid and arrested him.
Menesi was armed with a homemade gun and a knife and attempted to evade capture but was shot in the right leg and was admitted to the Alotau General Hospital where he was treated before he was charged and detained.
Chief Supt Neggi said another three piracy suspects were also recaptured and detained for illegally boarding Mv Curunga on Feb 4 at KB beach.
The three suspects had allegedly boarded Mv Curunga and assaulted two crew members before throwing them overboard.