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Tongan couple burglarising 75yo woman in US angers caregiver community

By
Kalino Latu
-

The Tongan couple who was arrested after they burglarised a 75-year-old woman in El Granada, San Mateo, California has infuriated some of the Tongans who worked as caregivers in the United States.

Antonio, 33, and Zorrana Mapapalangi, 38, were arrested by the sheriff’s deputies after forcing themselves into the victim’s house at the 200 block of Coral Reef Ave on August 14 and escaped with an unknown amount of money.

Det. Salvador Zuno of the San Mateo County Sheriff’s Office has confirmed to Kaniva News this morning (NZ Time) the Mapapalangis are of Tongan origins.

The victim told deputies one of the intruders “placed a pillow over her head and tied her wrists together while one of them, whom the victim believed was a woman, demanded money.

“When she declined to reveal the money’s whereabouts, the intruders ransacked the residence”, a press release from the sheriff’s office said.

“Even though the victim couldn’t see the intruders, she heard at least two individuals in her bedroom. The victim believed she recognized the female’s voice as belonging to her caretaker.

“Sheriff’s detectives were able to identify Zoranna Mapapalangi and her husband, Antonio Mapapalangi as suspects in this home invasion.  After obtaining a $500,000 arrest warrant for each of them, Sheriff’s detectives located and arrested Antonio, Thursday morning in San Mateo.  Later in the afternoon, Sheriff’s detectives located and arrested Zoranna on in Daly City.  Both were booked into the Maguire Correctional Facility on felony charges.

A Tongan woman by the name Fatafehi Toki who appeared to have been working in the United States as caretaker for years was infuriated by the Mapapalangis’ action.

She wrote on Facebook in Tongan, “sio hifo kihe kakai pehe fau mani eee talu eku i heni he 79 moe ngaue pehe au kihe eku nofo sea koeni teeki iai hato lekooti palaku pehe hoiiiiiii”. This could be translated into English as: “look at this oh my since I was here in 1979 I did the same work until I left without any such disgusting record”.

Some of the commenters who commented on Kaniva’s Facebook pages and groups when the news was first released over the weekend said the couple’s thoughtless action gave Tongan caregivers who were honest and working hard in the United States bad name.

In 2012 Selu Mataele, 30, and Ane Pailate, 55, were convicted of felony charges of theft after committing a $171,256 elder fraud in East Palo Alto, San Mateo County, California.  They were sentenced to 11 months in jail and 5 years probation for defrauding the  82-year-old woman.

Anyone with information regarding the Mapapalangis’ case is encouraged to call Detective Pat Carey at (650) 259-2321 or e-mail him at; pcarey@smcgov.org or Detective Gaby Chaghouri at (650) 259-2314 or e-mail at him at; gchaghouri@smcgov.org. Those who wish to remain anonymous are encouraged to call the Sheriff’s Anonymous Tip line at: 1-800-547-2700.

No sign of missing Houma man as search continues

By
Kalino Latu
-

The search for the 20-year-old man from Houma who fell into the sea at the blowholes reconvened but still there was no sign of him this morning.

Police and locals were searching after Melekisēteki Fīnau fell into the sea at Houma Sunday 21.

A relative very close to the family, which we chose not to name, said the victim was the son of Faʻahivalu and Mele Fīnau of Houma.

The source alleged Melekisēteki was chased before he jumped into the rough seas.

It is understood the search was called off last night before the searchers returned to sea this morning.

“Sometimes you win, sometimes you learn!” Taufatofua leaves Rio with his eyes on Tokyo

By
Philip Cass
-

Tongan flag bearer Pita Taufatofua made a well-oiled exit from the Olympic Games, jumping on stage for a few moments during the closing ceremony in Rio.

Instead of the black costume he wore in the opening ceremony, Taukatofua wore an outfit featuring the word ‘Tonga’ in red.

The taekwondo competitor joined Julia Michaels and Kygo’s performance of their hit “Carry Me,” dancing as rain fell on the Maracana stadium.

Taufatofua also joined fellow athletes with Japanese wrestler Kaori Icho, swimmer Yusra Mardini, representing the Refugee Olympic Team and Syria, Brazilian gymnast Arthur Mariano and runner Shaun Miller of the Bahamas.

Taufatofua lost his taekwondo match against Iranian medal favourite Sajjad Mardani on the weekend, but still managed to keep his fans cheering.

After the match he posted: “Felt soo privileged to get out on those mats and represent Tonga! There are no excuses, I started slow, got caught and lost to a legend of Taekwondo, a great opponent in Iran. Sometimes you win, sometimes you learn!

“It took me 20 years to get here, if it takes another 20 we will bring that Gold home! Thank you for the love, prayers and support without you all we would not be here! Malo Aupito, ofa atu.”

His coach, Master Paula Sitapa told Radio New Zealand they intended to keep going and push towards the Tokyo Olympics in four years time.

“What happened in this Olympics is just the beginning for us and we’d like to keep on going,” Sitapa said

“There’s a lot of things for us to do – especially raising up the next generation and see what we can do more to help and giving back to the communities and all the people that are supporting us.”

The main points

  • Tongan flag bearer Pita Taufatofua made a well-oiled exit from the Olympic Games this morning, jumping on stage for a few moments during the closing ceremony in Rio.
  • The taekwondo competitor joined Julia Michaels and Kygo’s performance of their hit “Carry Me,” dancing as rain fell on the Maracana stadium.
  • He also joined fellow athletes Kaori Icho (Japan), Yusra Mardini (Refugee Olympic Team/syria),  Arthur Mariano (Brazil) and runner Shaun Miller (Bahamas).
  • Taufatofua‘s coach, Master Paula Sitapa told Radio New Zealand they intended to keep going and push towards the Tokyo Olympics in four years time.

For more information

Tonga’s Pita Taufatofua Returns for Rio Olympics 2016 Closing Ceremony!

Sport: Tonga promises another surprise at Rio closing ceremony

Tongan flag bearer Pita Taufatofua got the coconut oil out for the Olympic Games closing ceremony

Driver charged with killing baby in Veitongo crash

By
Kalino Latu
-

A driver has been charged with causing the death of a one-year old son in a crash in Veitongo.

The baby died in Vaiola hospital after the crash on Taufaʻāhau Road on 13 August 2016.

Paletili Afu, 20, of  Vaini, has been charged with two counts of causing death by dangerous driving.

The baby was among eight passengers including his parents who were riding in an open pickup van which collided with the accused’s BMW.

Both drivers of the crashed vehicles including their passengers were injured and received medical treatment at hospital before they were released home.

Tonga Forest financial records burnt as TP$4 million remains unaccounted for, PM says

By
Kalino Latu
-

The Tonga Forest company’s financial records were destroyed by former staff members, leaving TP$4 million unaccounted for.

Tongan Prime Minister ‘Akilisi Pōhiva  told Parliament the staff  burnt the financial records and other company possessions  before they left.

Hon. Pōhiva said the records of the government-controlled entity could not be recovered.

He told the House the Auditor General had spent five years trying to unravel Tonga Forest’s financial affairs.

Minister of Public Enterprise, Poasi Tei, whose ministry controlled Tonga Forest, said the government had complained to the Police who were investigating the matter.

However, Hon. Pōhiva said he had met Police Commissioner Stephen Caldwell and his Deputy ‘Unga Fa’aoa who told him nothing had been done so far.

The Speaker did not ask the prime Minister or the Minister to clarify whether there was an investigation or not.

Instead, he said the courts would have the final say.

Police Commissioner vs Minister of Police

However, Lord Nuku joined in and said the public believed no investigation was taking place.

Some MPs voiced their concerns over the fact the Minister of Police appeared to have no power over the force.

All the powers to run the Police rested with the Commissioner of Police who was elected by a Privy Council panel, according to the constitution.

The Prime Minister agreed with a statement by Lord Tuʻilakepa that the House should change the constitution so the Minister of Police could control the Police Commissioner and officers.

The Speaker reminded the House that it was they who voted to give the power to control the Police Force to the Police Commissioner and they had the power to alter that law.

2015 Statement  

In June 2015 Hon. Pōhiva submitted to his cabinet a proposal for an inquiry to be made into the Tonga Forest company.

A government statement at the time said: “Financial records and accounts of TFPL from 2011 to May 2015 pertaining to the Tonga Development Bank (TDB) loan of $4.9 million could not be located on the premises of TPFL.”

The statement said it was believed the former Accountant and Financial Manager of Tonga Forest, Ms. Glenda Hiyao and former Chief Executive Officer, Mr. David Edwards handled the draw-downs and disbursements of the loan funds and would know the whereabouts of the financial records of the corporation.

In a statement released to the media at the time Mr Edwards said: “The allegations are politically motivated and such persons are using your good office and its independence to be involved in a matter which should be properly investigated, handed to the company’s privately legal officers and if verifiable with clear evidence passed onto the Police for further investigation”.

Tonga’s forest industry has recently been the subject of a rescue deal involving a Maori iwi headed by controversial businessman Roger Pikia, who was described by the New Zealand Supreme Court as having committed fraud.

The main points

  • The Tonga Forest company’s financial records were destroyed by former staff, leaving TP$4 million unaccounted for.
  • Tongan Prime Minister ‘Akilisi Pōhiva told Parliament the staff members  burnt the financial records and other company possessions  before they left.
  • Pōhiva said the records of the government-controlled entity could not be recovered.
  • He told the House the Auditor General had spent five years trying to unravel Tonga Forest’s financial affairs.

For more information

Tongan forestry deal centres on controversial businessman; PM laments lack of due diligence

Taufatofua goes down 16-1 against medal favourite, but the fans kept chanting “Tonga!”

By
Philip Cass
-

Tongan taekwondo competitor Pita Taufatofua didn’t win this weekend, going down 16-1 to his opponent, Iranian medal favourite Sajjad Mardani, but he still managed to catch the attention of the world’s press because of his attitude.

The New York Daily News reported that Mardani “demolished” the Tongan, but did so against  a backdrop of fans chanting “Tonga!”

In an interview with leading American sporting magazine Sports Illustrated, he sounded as if losing was less important than making people aware of Tonga.

“To me, that’s what the Olympics is about, Taufatofua said.

“It’s about bringing people who don’t know each other and have different cultural and religious beliefs or views together as one. We’re all human beings.”

Taufatofua spent 20 years trying to be selected for the Olympics.

“I’ve had a tough life growing up, but now I’ve got a pretty OK life,” he told Sports Illustrated.

“But for me the important thing is getting out to the world our message, getting Tonga out to the world.”

The Brisbane-based athlete, who trained in South Auckland before the Games, posted a message before his saying he had sacrificed a great deal to get to Rio.

“The truth isn’t glamorous, it isn’t shiny. The truth is that I have had more injuries than I can count, that I have lost more matches than I have won, that I have gone through massive financial hardship and lost very close relationships in pursuit of the dream.”

The main points

  • Tongan taekwondo competitor Pita Taufatofua didn’t win this weekend, going down 16-1 to his opponent, Iranian medal favourite Sajjad Mardani.
  • But he still managed to catch the attention of the world’s press because of his attitude.
  • One newspaper reported that Mardani “demolished” the Tongan, but did so against a backdrop of fans chanting “Tonga!”
  • In an interview with leading American sporting magazine Sports Illustrated, Taufatofua sounded as if losing was less important than making people aware of Tonga.

For more information

Tonga flag-bearer Pita Taufatofua making the most of unexpected Olympic fame

Rio Olympics 2016: Tongan flagbearer shares his reality before taking to mat

Tonga’s shirtless sensation Pita Taufatofua routed in first round of taekwondo heavyweight competition

Search underway for missing man near Houma blowholes

By
Kalino Latu
-

Police and locals were searching after a man had fallen into the sea at Houma blowholes.

A relative very close to the missing man, which we chose not to name, said the victim was Melekiseteki Finau, the son of Faʻahivalu and Mele Fīnau of Houma.

The source alleged the man was chased before he jumped into the rough seas.

The search remains ongoing at the time of this report.

Mapapalangis arrested after home invasion in US

By
Kaniva Staff
-

Authorities have arrested two Coastside residents following a terrifying home invasion robbery over the weekend. One of the accused had been arrested in Oregon on a felony warrant five days earlier.

San Mateo County Sheriff’s deputies responded to the 200 block of Coral Reef Avenue following a burglary call at 12:05 a.m. on Sunday. When they arrived, the 75-year-old victim told them she had been sleeping in her bedroom when someone placed a pillow over her head and tied her wrists together.

One of the intruders, whom the victim believed was a woman, demanded money. When she declined to tell the burglars where her money was kept, the intruders ransacked the residence. Even though the victim couldn’t see the intruders, she heard at least two people in her bedroom. The victim believed she recognized the female’s voice as being that of her caretaker.

The intruders fled with an unknown amount of money. The victim was not injured.

According to a release from the Sheriff’s Office, detectives identified Zoranna Mapapalangi and her husband, Antonio Mapapalangi, as suspects in the home invasion. After obtaining a $500,000 arrest warrant for each of them, detectives located and arrested Antonio Mapapalangi Thursday morning in San Mateo. Later that afternoon, detectives located and arrested his wife in Daly City. Both were booked into the Maguire Correctional Facility on felony charges.

The Douglas County Sheriff’s Office in Oregon confirmed on Friday that Zoranna Mapapalangi had been arrested at a rest stop there on Aug. 9. Douglas County deputies ran the plates on the car she occupied along with two men, and found that she was wanted on a felony warrant from Multnomah County, Ore.

The Douglas County Sheriff’s Office says she was arrested and booked into the local jail on Aug. 9, but subsequently paid $1,000 of a $10,000 bond to be released.

San Mateo County Sheriff’s Office says Antonio Mapapalangi lives in El Granada. Zoranna Mapapalangi is listed with a Half Moon Bay address. Both were charged with felony robbery and burglary.

Anyone with information regarding this case is encouraged to call Detective Pat Carey at (650) 259-2321 or email him at pcarey@smcgov.org. Detective Gaby Chaghouri can be reached at (650) 259-2314 or emailed at gchaghouri@smcgov.org. Those who wish to remain anonymous are encouraged to call the Sheriff’s Anonymous Tip line at: 1-800- 547-2700.

–hmbreview

Otago University conducts kids’cam in Tonga

By
Kaniva Staff
-

Researchers from the University’s Wellington campus have started working with camera and GPS-wearing children in Tonga.

The cameras the researchers ask the 11 to 13-year-olds to wear automatically take images of the children’s surroundings from their perspective every 10 seconds for three days of the week – Friday, Saturday and Sunday.

“The aim of Kids’Cam Tonga is to explore Tongan children’s environments, their interaction with those environments, and the implications for their health,” says research fellow Moira Smith, who is Deputy Director of the Health Promotion and Policy Research Unit, in the University’s Department of Public Health in Wellington.

University of Otago research fellow Moira Smith prepares to hand out equipment boxes — each containing a camera, GPS recorder and plugboard — to six Tongan school pupils. The children have the items for three days then researchers download and save the images and GPS data.

From now until November, the researchers will work with 108 children from 15 schools in Tongatapu and Ha’apai in Tonga.

Findings from the study will provide useful insights for health promotion interventions and public health policy.

The research, funded by a University of Otago grant, repeats the successful Health Research Council funded Kids’Cam project https://diet.auckland.ac.nz/content/kidscam conducted in Wellington in 2014-15.

It was believed to be one of the first projects in the world to use those technologies to explore children’s environments, and involved 169 children in Year 8 at randomly selected schools in the Wellington region.

–Otago University

Manslaughter convictions follow 2013 death in Afā after earlier trial dismisses murder charge

By
Philip Cass
-

Two men have been convicted of manslaughter following the death of a man in Afā on July 21, 2013.

In the Supreme Court Hon. Justice Cato sentenced Semisi Lolohea and Monalisa Manumu’a to nine years in prison for the manslaughter of ‘Eneasi Tuʻineau Lātū.

Lātū, 48, was married with six children.

Both prisoners apologised to the family of the dead man and compensation of food, pigs and mats had  been accepted.  Lolohea was  distantly  related to the dead man’s family.

Manumu’a had been found not guilty of murder by a jury at an earlier trial on July 1 this year.

As a consequence, charges of murder against Lolohea were withdrawn and he was re-arraigned on a charge of manslaughter.

In his summary Hon. Justice Cato said that on or about July 21, 2013, at Afa, Lolohea  and  Manumu’a  went  to  the  house of ‘Ana Lupe Kama for a meal. Afterwards they drank alcohol with another friend  before returning to Kama’s house where they continued drinking.

While they were drinking, Lolohea and Manumu’a kept complaining about Lotu Latu and how a week before he had taken Kama to a drinking party where she was beaten up.

Later that night Latu passed the house where they were drinking. The two rushed out and beat Latu up before they were separated by another person.

Just then Lotu Latu’s father, ‘Eneasi Latu, was walking back from a kava party. Lolohea stopped ‘Eneasi and told him to find out whether his son was alive. ‘Eneasi became angry and returned carrying a machete and an iron bar.

In the ensuing fight ‘Eneasi cut Lolohea’s leg with a knife. Lolohea and Manumu’a beat him with sticks until he fell over and continued to beat him on the ground. Neighbours arrived and dragged the two assailants away while ‘Eneasi was rushed to hospital where he was declared dead. The cause of death was a brain haemorrhage caused by blows to to his faced and head.

In determining the sentence Hon. Justice Cato said he considered, with some reservations, the argument that the jury at the earlier trial had found Manumu’a not guilty because of provocation by ‘Eneasi Latu.

“The  major initial contributing factor  for  this  homicide was the foolish decision of Mr  ‘Eneasi Latu  to  return  armed with a machete and  iron bar to the area where he knew Semisi Lolohea had earlier confronted   him concerning  the  activities  of his son,” the judge said.

“Although the initial provocation may  still   have  been operating  on  their  minds  and  fueled  their  anger,  I consider  their main   motivation,   at  the   end,  was   to exact   revenge.”

In handing down his sentence, the judge said Manumu’a  appeared to be a better candidate  for  rehabilitation  than  Lolohea.   Accordingly, he suspended the last two years of Manumu’a’s sentence and the last 18 months of Lolohea’s period of imprisonment.

The main points

  • Two men have been convicted of manslaughter following the death of a man in Afa on July 21, 2013.
  • In the Supreme Court Hon. Justice Cato sentenced Semisi Lolohea and  Monalisa  Manumu’a to nine years in prison for the manslaughter of ‘Eneasi Tu’ineau Latu.
  • Both prisoners apologised to the family of the dead man and compensation of food, pigs and mats had been accepted.  Lolohea was  distantly  related to the dead man’s family.
  • Manumu’a had been found not guilty of murder by a jury at an earlier trial on July 1 this year.
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