PNG nurse may be escaped gang leader's accomplice

4:46 pm on 15 March 2019

The police in Papua New Guinea say they plan to arrest a nurse they believe has been assisting the notorious prison escapee Tommy Baker.

Notorious Papua New Guinea criminal Tommy Baker

Notorious Papua New Guinea criminal Tommy Baker Photo: PNG Police

For months, police have been unable to capture Baker, who is linked to a string of armed robberies, piracy and murder in Milne Bay.

The newspaper the National reports the nurse is alleged to have smuggled medicine to Baker, who is thought to have been injured last month in a shootout between his gang and police.

They said the nurse may have also helped Baker escape custody from a Port Moresby hospital last year.

A man believed to have provided Baker with a dinghy, fuel and food is also wanted by police.

They said the suspects should bring Baker out of hiding so he can receive proper medical treatment.

The nurse has reportedly been sacked by Alotau General Hospital for refusing to reveal Baker's hideout to police.

Southern Region Police Commander John Maru told the National Baker's gang had been dismantled and that gang members were now on the run.

"Baker's deputy Michael Mekere Yawi has abandoned him and is hiding in Rabaraba District.

"Yawi's younger brother is also on the run after he was suspected to have torched [a former police vehicle] last month."

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