Vakai ki lalo ki he fakamatala faka-Tonga

Three accused from Afa have been charged with manslaughter, after they allegedly assaulted a 49 year-old man who later died.  

Monalisa Manumuʻa, Semisi Lolohea and Lolesio Valu have been remanded in custody after they appeared at the Mu’a magistrate court on August 6.

The accused had been charged in relation to the death of ‘Aisea Tu’ineau Latu of Afa, who died while he was rushed to Vaiola Hospital on Wednesday July 27, after he was allegedly hit with a blunt object.  

The court was told the trio were drinking alcohol with the victim’s son, Lotu Latu and a woman. At one stage the three accused felt the woman liked Latu and they assaulted him.

Mr Tu’ineau, after returning from a kava-Tonga club, learnt his son had been beaten by the accused and he took with him a machete to find the men. When he found them, he started by striking Lolohea injuring his leg.

He went on to stab Lolesio and Valu but Mr Tu’ineau was allegedly hit by a log and he fell to the ground.

Magistrate Pita Soakimi ordered the accused to reappear in court on September 8.