The Minister of Police, Piveni Piukala, has expressed serious concerns following reports of an illegal party involving over 100 youths at Mataki’eua hilltop last Friday night.
The incident, first brought to light by Kaniva News, prompted a police response in the early hours of Saturday, May 17. Authorities confirmed that among those arrested were several civil servants, a revelation that has drawn sharp criticism from the Minister.
Minister Piukala described the actions of those involved as “irresponsible” and called for immediate measures to prevent similar incidents in the future.
The Minister expressed shock that the gathering had grown to hundreds of attendees, attributing it to social media coordination.
He said that civil servants, as public officials, should be held to higher standards of conduct and that their participation in unlawful gatherings was particularly unacceptable.
Speaking in Tongan during a media brief today in Nuku’alofa, the Minister stressed that such behaviour undermines public trust and must be addressed firmly.
It is understood that the illegal gathering, which took place in a bush venue at Mataki’eua, involved excessive alcohol consumption and loud music, disturbing nearby residents.
An official Police statement said Police, assisted by the Community Volunteer Patrol of Pea, intervened to disperse the crowd and apprehend those responsible.
Authorities have reiterated their commitment to enforcing laws related to public drinking, noise disturbances, and other activities that jeopardise public safety, according to the statement.
Black Market Dealing Warning
The Police also warned against illicit drug use and black-market dealings, emphasising that offenders would face strict penalties. The presence of teenagers at the event has further prompted calls for parents and guardians to monitor their children’s activities more closely.
Community leaders have joined the Minister in condemning the incident, highlighting the need for greater accountability, especially among public servants.
The Minister and police officials have assured the community that all offenders will face appropriate consequences regardless of their positions.
For more information, the public is encouraged to contact the Tonga Police Media and Public Relations Office at 740-1614.
