A former government minister has made a startling claim, alleging that several current Cabinet Ministers are facing criminal charges.
‘Etuate Lavulavu made the revelation during a press conference last week but did not provide any details about the charges or name the ministers involved.
The claim came during a tense exchange that nearly escalated into a physical confrontation between Lavulavu and Minister of Police Piveni Piukala.
The situation was defused by Deputy Prime Minister Taniela Fusimālohi, who intervened to restore order.
Lavulavu, who is awaiting retrial alongside his wife on charges of obtaining money by false pretences under Section 164 of the Criminal Offences Act—stemming from their time as former principals of the ‘Unuaki ‘o Tonga Royal Institute (UTRI)—appeared visibly agitated when Deputy Prime Minister Taniela Fusimālohi invited further questions from reporters.
He immediately raised his voice and, speaking in Tongan, claimed that Cabinet Ministers had been charged and were facing five court accusations due to poor decision-making.
Piukala, who appeared to be in good spirits at the time, intervened and laughing while asking Lavulavu about his own charges.
Lavulavu responded by claiming his case had been thrown out, referring to the Court of Appeal’s decision that quashed his conviction and ordered a retrial.
Piukala then accused Lavulavu of using the press conference as a platform to campaign for the upcoming election.
Lavulavu denied the accusation, while Deputy Prime Minister Taniela Fusimālohi once again called for order.
There was no response from Ministers Fusimālohi and Piukala regarding Lavulavu’s allegations concerning the charges he claimed to have laid against Cabinet Ministers.
The revelation comes in wake of Piukala’s previously confirming that police detectives have been asked to assist the Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) in resolving 70 complaints lodged ahead of the country’s general election in November.
He said those cases were expected to be addressed before the election.
