Tributes have been paid to a young police officer who allegedly died in a car crash in Nuku’alofa last night.
The comments and reactions on various social media platforms and the prayers offered demonstrated a high level of respect and admiration for the victim, Ifalemi Tupola Mala’efo’ou.
Dozens of comments have been left on his siblings and parents’ Facebook posts about his death.
A relative wrote on ‘Ifalemi’s father’s Facebook that his death “slashes the very core of their mafutefua (heart)”, adding it had been a “very devastating moment to receive the news of his death”.
“More than anything, all of our thoughts have been with his parents and his family and friends.”
“He has been chosen from our heavenly father”, another commenter wrote in Tongan.
It is understood that his parents, Motelolo and Vāvātau Tupola Mala’efo’ou are currently in Fiji, attending an event related to their other son’s university education.
Tonga Police have yet to release a statement.
