Two gang members killed in Alotau

By Rebecca Kuku
TWO accomplices of Alotau’s notorious fugitives Tommy Maeva Baker and Michael Mekere Yawi were killed in a shootout with police on Tuesday morning, bringing to three the number killed and 11 arrested.
The gang led by Baker has been terrorising and robbing communities in Milne Bay and parts of Central since December and was responsible for the Jan 24 chaos in Alotau.
Police commander Chief Inspector George Bayagau said five gang members were captured at the Maiwara village and the other six during the weekend.
“We now have 11 men arrested and waiting to be charged, three were killed, one was shot during the Jan 23 shootout between the police and the gang,” he said. “The other two were killed on Tuesday.”
Bayagau said they received a tip-off on Tuesday morning and went to the Daga Compound.
“The raid was successful. We found members of the gang there, however, they were heavily armed and a shootout took place,” he said.
“Two of their gang members were killed during the shootout, one was badly injured but he managed to escape with the others.”
Bayagau said police were confident in the investigation and believed that they would soon be closing in on Baker and his gang.
“I also appeal to the communities to support us with any information that can lead to immediate arrest of Baker and his gangs.”