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Stolen car discovered in Tonga returned to Australia as importer sent to jail 

By
Kalino Latu
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A stolen car that was shipped to Tonga is poised to be returned to Australia following the importer’s two-year prison sentence in the kingdom. 

Siosio Mālohi Vea

Siosio Malohi Vea, 40, pleaded not guilty to two counts of money laundering and receiving stolen property. 

However, the Supreme Court in Nuku’alofa found him guilty and handed down his sentence in December. 

His ex-wife in New South Wales reportedly stole the car and then shipped it to Tonga. 

The prosecution argued that Vea had concealed the actual ownership of the MG motor car and knew it had been stolen or obtained under such circumstances. 

“First, he in the knowledge or suspicion that the car in question was criminal property that is to say it was derived directly or indirectly from the commission of a serious offence, he converted the car to his own use concealing its true origin”, the court judgement said. 

The illegal action constitutes a money laundering offence, the court document shows. 

The vehicle was rented to the convict’s former wife Kasanita Vea in the state of New South Wales Australia. 

“In this case the thief is alleged to be the Defendant’s former wife, Kasanita”, the Lord Chief Justice Malcolm Bishop said, noting that the correspondences submitted to the court show “not only that the vehicle was originally rented by Kasanita ….. she had no intention of complying with the agreement or restoring the vehicle to its lawful owner, Ride Solutions”. 

The Lord Chief Justice Malcolm Bishop KC also said he was satisfied with the evidence that Kasanita appropriated the car, and this was to the defendant’s knowledge. 

The vehicle’s removal from that state is prohibited unless prior authorization had been obtained. 

Sentencing, Mr Bishop imposed a sentence of two years imprisonment with the last 12 months suspended for 12 months on the following conditions;  

a. He must not commit any offence punishable by imprisonment.  

b. He must report to the probation office within 48 hours of your release from custody.  

c. He must be placed under probation during the duration of your suspension.  

d. He must complete a course on life skills at the direction of the Probation Office within 12 months. 

“I further order that the vehicle is returned to the complainant company, Ride Solutions Ltd”, Mr Bishop said. 

Lord Chief Justice appeals to Mormon Church for help as eight youths with fully suspended sentence after man’s death case to return to court for ‘follow up’ 

By
Kaniva Staff
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Eight men found guilty of common assault after the tragic death of a young man in Nuku’alofa had been sentenced to three years in prison, but their sentences are fully suspended. 

The Lord Chief Justice Malcolm Bishop KC has described the December 3, 2024 sentencing as “a merciful sentence” for some.

He ordered the court to reconvene to address this matter on 31 January 2025 at 10am. During this session, the Court is expected to review and assess the progress made regarding the conditions previously imposed in the judgment.

Toni Langilangi died after a brawl in the centre of Nuku’alofa in the early hours of 17 September 2023.   

The deceased from Pahu suffered injuries and died shortly afterwards.  

“It is asserted, and not challenged, that the deceased died of a preexisting condition and that the injuries he sustained did not cause or contribute to his death”, the court was told.   

Sentencing, Mr. Bishop stated that Mesuilame Finau, Tevita Lisiate, Moana Masima, Richard Ervin Vea, Mafua ‘I Vaha Palu, Sosifa Vatuvei, Viliami Tongamana, and Salamani Filitonga acted jointly, causing grievous bodily harm to the deceased.

He imposed a sentence of three years imprisonment fully suspended for three years on the following conditions: 

a. They must report to the Probation Office within 48 hours. 

b. They must complete 100 hours of community service within 12 months 

c. They must each pay a sum of $2000 to the family of the deceased within 6 months. 

d. They must not enter any licensed premises serving alcohol or night club within the six months 

e. They must complete a course on life skills and a course on drugs and alcohol misuse on the direction of the Probation Office. 

“This matter is to be mentioned again before this Court on 31 January 2025 at 10am to follow up on the progress on these conditions imposed”, according to the judgment document.  

“That concludes my sentencing remarks. I desire to say first that the presence of violent offences where drink plays a part needs to be addressed and if there is an established connection between accused consuming alcohol in licensed premises and then committing violence offences then steps may need to be taken affecting the license of those premises. 

“I asked that the authorities bear this matter in mind. 

“A very important reason for passing what some may regard as a merciful sentence is the steps which you have all taken to reform your lives.  

“To this end, I appeal to the elders and members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints to join together to support and guide these young Accused so that they may prove worthy of the faith they now profess. 

“Finally, I desire to express my condolences to the family of the deceased”. 

Met Service providing ‘Tsunami Information Statement for Tonga’ following Tibet deadly earthquake met with mixed reactions   

By
Kaniva Staff
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Tonga’s Met Service has issued a ‘Tsunami Information Statement’ in response to Tibet’s deadly earthquake.  

A magnitude 6.8 earthquake struck near the border of Tibet and Nepal on Tuesday morning, the China Earthquake Networks Centre said, killing people, damaging buildings and sending people running to the streets in Tibet, Nepal and India. 

At least 53 people died and “many buildings” had collapsed, Chinese state media reported. 

The quake was centred close to the city of Shigatse, one of Tibet’s holiest cities, in Dingri county, and struck at 9:05 am (0105 GMT) on Tuesday, according to the China Earthquake Networks Centre. The US Geological Survey reported the quake as magnitude 7.1. 

The official Xinhua News Agency said 62 other people were injured in the quake on Tuesday, citing the regional disaster relief headquarters, as dozens of aftershocks shook the region of western China and the neighbouring state of Nepal.

The quake had an epicentre depth of 10km, the report added, revising the magnitude from an earlier 6.9. 

Tonga Met statement

As a precautionary measure, Tonga Met Service issued a statement detailing the location, duration and timeframe of the Nepal earthquake.  

It clearly said in Tongan that it provided the statement for the people’s information and for them to know about the disaster.   

However, some commenters on the Service’s Facebook have expressed concerns about the relevance of such alerts, given that Tonga is far from the epicentre.  

“Why are you putting out a Tsunami alert for an earthquake so far away?” a commenter wrote.  

“Be prepared”, a responder replied.  

“I think you’re trying to copy …… maybe focus on Tonga only before you set off the panic button”, another wrote. 

“I am puzzled as to why you are putting this info. Here for us in Tonga? Pretty irrelevant considering”, one wrote.  

A commenter reminded others about the significant impact of Tonga’s devastating tsunami in 2022, noting that the waves generated by the disaster travelled thousands of miles, reaching even as far as the Arctic region near the North Pole. 

Nebal

According to Google Maps, the distance from Nepal to Tonga is 12,109 kilometres, which is approximately 7,524 miles when converted to air travel distance.

Nepal is a landlocked country in South Asia, located in the Himalayas.

It shares its northern border with the Tibet Autonomous Region of China and is surrounded by India to the south, east, and west.

The country is also narrowly separated from Bangladesh by the Siliguri Corridor and from Bhutan by the Indian state of Sikkim.

Rental car and claw mattock allegedly involved in church minister’s house robbery caught on camera 

By
Kaniva Staff
-

Police had been reportedly called after an alleged robbery in a residence on Tongatapu on Monday afternoon.  

Claw mattock (L) and rental car allegedly at the robbery scene

Photos of a rental car and a claw mattock allegedly used during the robbery had been captured on camera.  

Reports said a man was trying to steal precious Tongan handicrafts from a house belonging to a church minister.  

The person who reported the incident on Facebook said they were returning from work when they noticed the suspicious activities in their neighbour.  

They said they confronted the robber before taking photos of the car.  

They later found the claw mattock, apparently used by the robber, which had been left behind in the house. 

The news follows our report last week that a family in Touliki whose verandah was burgled while sleeping in the living room said they woke up to find their washing machine with laundry inside had been stolen. 

The robbers also took with them a bicycle. 

Air NZ flight aborts Christchurch take-off after bird strike

By
Kaniva Staff
-

By rnz.co.nz and is republished with permission

An Air New Zealand flight was aborted moments before take off from Christchurch Airport Monday morning after a bird strike.

(Source: rnz.co.nz)

The plane was due to depart for Brisbane shortly after 6am, but abruptly halted its take off.

Ben Anderson was a passenger on the flight. He said everything was normal as the plane initially accelerated.

He estimated the plane was just 30 knots away from lift off when he heard a bang.

“Then suddenly on the brakes, front wheel down, and we’re full reverse and we’re coming to a stop, one wheel sort of skidding a little bit you definitely felt and eventually came to a stop.”

Passengers were later told birds had struck both engines, Anderson said.

Air New Zealand chief operational integrity and safety officer Captain David Morgan said flight NZ207 followed standard procedure after experiencing a suspected bird strike.

“Our engineering teams are required to complete a full aircraft inspection before the aircraft can return to service.”

Bird strikes were frustrating but not uncommon, Morgan said.

“Aircraft are designed with this in mind, and our pilots are fully trained for a bird strike scenario.”

The flight to Brisbane was cancelled, as was NZ272 from Brisbane to Wellington.

Most customers were expected to travel Monday on alternative services, Morgan said.

North Koreans eating hot dogs and seeking to divorce will be sent to jail 

By
Kaniva Staff
-

North Korean dictator Kim Jong-un announced North Korea prohibits the consumption of hot dogs and the practice of divorce, with offenders facing the possibility of incarceration.  

The decision underscores the government’s stringent control over personal choices and lifestyle practices as part of a massive crackdown on Western cultural influences. 

These types of sausages were culturally imported from Germany and became popular in the United States. 

It has grown in popularity in South Korea, and Kim has since declared that serving sausages is now an act of treason against North Korea. 

North Koreans are said to love spicy noodle soup that uses hot dogs or spam.  

The dish, called Budae-jjigae, was imported from South Korea in 2017.

Budae-jjigae, also known as ‘Army Base Stew, is also made up of umami-rich broth, Korean hot pepper paste, beans, flakes and kimchi.  

But now vendors have been blocked from offering the soup at markets 

In another unusual and harsh measure, the hermit kingdom has begun imprisoning couples who seek to divorce because the dictator considers the act a “crime”.  

It has been reported that Kim Jong-un wants each person to be sentenced to up to six months in prison.  

He views divorce as a sign of being “anti-socialist”. 

International sanctions

A number of country and international bodies have imposed international sanctions against North Korea due to its nuclear weapons programme.

In 1988, the United States added North Korea to its list of state sponsors of terrorism.

Gale warnings in place for Niuas, heavy rains forecast for Ha‘apai, Vava‘u 

By
Kaniva Staff
-

A severe gale warning has been issued for the two Niuas, indicating that residents should prepare for potentially dangerous gusts that could impact safety and property.  

Tonga Met Service said this was an upgrade from its previous strong wind warning for the two islands. 

It warned that heavy rainfall is forecasted for the Ha‘apai and Vava‘u island groups, raising concerns about possible flooding and related hazards.  

Communities in these areas are advised to stay informed and take precautionary measures. 

At 7pm this evening, January 6, Met said: “The strong wind warning was previously in force for Niuafo’ou land areas, is now upgraded to gale warning. 

“A gale warning remains inforce for Niuatoputapu land area. 

A heavy rain warning and flash flood advisory remain inforce for the Niuas, Vava’u and Ha’apai land areas.” 

Patient arrested after assault at Middlemore Hospital – police

By
Kaniva Staff
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By rnz.co.nz

A man has been arrested following an assault at Auckland’s Middlemore Hospital.

no caption

(File photo) Photo: SUPPLIED

Police said a person was assaulted by a patient at the hospital, about 3.20pm on Monday.

A 23-year-old man was arrested and faces a charge of attempted strangulation.

He was due to appear in Manukau District Court on Tuesday.

Police said they did not have have an update on the victim’s condition.

The incident comes just days after a gun was fired at Middlemore Hospital’s car park.

Police said the two events were not connected.

Baby killed in south Auckland crash police say

By
Kaniva Staff
-

Police have revealed the victim of a car crash in South Auckland’s Karaka was a baby.

One person was killed and another seriously injured after the crash on Saturday evening.

A police spokesperson told Stuff on Monday, that the victim was a baby.

Emergency services were called to the intersection of Walters Road and Blackbridge Road about 8:50pm after a single car hit a bank.

One person could not be revived by first responders and died at the scene, while the other was transported to hospital in a serious condition, the spokesperson said.

The Serious Crash Unit attended and the circumstances remain under investigation.

Tonga current caretaker role to continue until new gov’t formed ‘within next few weeks’

By
Kalino Latu
-

Tonga has extended the current caretaker government arrangements until the new government Cabinet is appointed by the king.

Deputy Prime Minister Samiu Vaipulu

It is understood the Prime Minister-elect was in New Zealand over the weekend, and he was expected to meet the king.  

It has been reported that part of the meeting was concerning his appointment.   

The Prime Minister’s Office made the announcement this afternoon, saying the “Government is resuming work today, Monday, 6 January 2025”.  

It said the government services “shall continue as usual”.  

“The Government is currently on “caretaker mode” under the Acting Prime Minister, Hon. Samiu Kuita Vaipulu  and the current Cabinet Ministers.  

“During the caretaker period Government Ministries, Departments and Agencies shall not make or enter into any new financial commitments by or on behalf of the Government and no new policies are to be made or implemented.  

“The caretaker Government will continue until the appointment process for the Prime Minister Designate, Hon.  
 

Dr. ‘Aisake Valu Eke and the appointment of his new Cabinet Ministers is completed in accordance with the Act of Constitution of Tonga.   

“This process is anticipated to be completed within the next few weeks.  

“The new Government under the Prime Minister Designate will commence work for His Majesty’s Government once the legal appointment process of the Prime Minister Designate and the new Cabinet Ministers is completed.  

“After this is completed, the appointments of the current Cabinet Ministers will be revoked.  

“These arrangements are made pursuant to the Act of Constitution of Tonga, the Laws of Tonga and Government Policy Directives.  

The Office of the Prime Minister will issue a Public Announcement in due course of the commencement of the New Government”. 

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