A jury will determine the cause of death of 20-year-old Vaiki Palei of Taʻanea but police now suspect he was met with foul play, Tonga’s Minister of Police, Hon. Siosifa Tu’utafaiva told Kaniva News.
Tuʻutafaiva said Palei had sustained multiple injuries which led Police to investigate the incident as a suspicious death.
Meanwhile Na’asoni Lolohea, a 71-year-old man from Ha‘akio was arrested and charged with reckless driving in relation to Palei’s death.
Police said Lolohea was allegedly on his way to Ngu Hospital at around 4:00am on Saturday October 4 when, as it was claimed, he unknowingly ran over Palei who was lying in the middle of the road.
Tuʻutafaiva said it was expected Police will release the details of their investigation tomorrow.
