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Tongatapu Police chief under investigation after drink driving allegations

By
Kaniva Staff
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The Ministry of Police has launched a criminal investigation into Mu’a Police Chief Sisi Tonga  after being caught drink driving, it has been claimed.

Nuku’alofa Cantral Police station. Photo/Kaniva Tonga News

It is alleged the police superintendent was driving his police vehicle while he was under the influence of alcohol, Kaniva News has learnt.

It is understood the incident happened after an official farewell ceremony was held last month in honour of the departing Police Commissioner Stephen Caldwell.

Last year 21 police officers have been sacked over criminal convictions and serious disciplinary breaches.

The Tonga Police Board had terminated the employments following a hearing on a loss of confidence in their positions.

Reports said the officers failed to live up to the ethical and professional standards required of a Tongan Police Officer.

Of the 21 dismissals, 14 were based on serious disciplinary breaches that included unauthorised absence, failure to complete the recruitment requirements and sexual harassment.

Seven dismissals were based on criminal cases that include extortion, obtain money by false pretences, theft, assaults, reckless driving causing death and forgery.

With regards to the two sexual harassment cases, former Supreme Justice Charles Cato said it represented totally unacceptable behaviour which could not be tolerated.

“Females or for that matter any police officer is entitled to serve free from harassment of any kind be it sexual, bullying, or other humiliating conduct.

“There must be adequate avenues provided and education to allow officers who fall victim to these practices to make a timely complaint and seek professional advice within the force and if need be in confidence. If there is an adverse culture in the Tonga Police or parts of it, that culture must be arrested forthwith.”

Nearly $25,000 donated for MMA fighter Liufau Vake who lost life after Auckland attack

By
Kalino Latu
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Hundreds of well-wishers and bereaved friends and family of a man who died nearly a week after he was admitted to hospital following an assault while he waited for a taxi have donated $24,099.00 in tribute to his death.

Liufau Tu’iha’angana Vake. Photo/Supplied

Liufau Tu’iha’angana Vake, 25, was assaulted on Symonds St in central Auckland in the early hours Sunday morning May 16 and taken to Auckland Hospital in critical condition.

A GoFundMe page was set up by Golnaz Bassam Tabar, a friend of the Vake family, showed 264 generous donors have raised the money since yesterday Sunday 23.

It said: “Our beloved brother Fau has joined the Eternal. Fau fought a courageous fight in hospital for a whole week, after he was viciously and cowardly attacked on May 16th.

“ Let’s stand with Fau’s grieving family to alleviate some of the financial pressures at this unfathomably difficult time. Only months ago, the Vake family lost their father. They are hurting. We stand with them”.

Police said  further charges will be filed in due course.

“Four men have already appeared before the Auckland District Court following the incident on 16 May at around 2.55am”, it said.

“Police can confirm that we are not currently seeking anyone else in relation to our investigation”.

Meanwhile, Vake’s partner has paid tribute to him after he died on Instagram.

Her full tribute reads:

“My high school sweetheart, 10 years of memories together with you & it has been & will forever be the best time of my life. Thank you for giving me the world’s best creation, Isa Banana.

“You have taught me so much in life, how to be comfortable when I’m out of my comfort zone, you’ve taught me what unconditional love really is, forgiveness, strength & most of all shown me the power of our lord, Jesus Christ. You are the heart of your family and You are so loved.

“You’ve brought so many people and have touched many hearts. That’s the kind of person you were, extremely loving, caring, a protector, giving.

“I swear & promise to look after our daughter, give her the best life and make you proud!

“My sweet love. Till we meet again. Isa banana loves you, your daughter just adores you, forever a daddy’s girl.”

 

 

Body of Tongan RSE worker who dies suddenly in Hastings to be flown home on Wednesday

By
Kaniva Staff
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The body of the Tongan Recognised Seasonal Worker (RSE) who died in his sleep in Hastings, New Zealand will be returned to Tonga on Wednesday.

Fuifuikula ‘O Lofakaitamaki ‘Ealelei. Photo/Supplied (cropped)

Fuifuikula ‘O Lofakaitamaki ‘Ealelei’s body is now at the Fountain Funerals in Papakura.

A failotu service for the 26-year-old is expected to be held at the mortuary this afternoon at 4pm.

‘Ealelei’s co-workers attempted to wake him up on Sunday May 16 at 12pm before they discovered he was dead, RSE Liaison Officer in New Zealand Sefita Hao’uli told Kaniva News.

‘Ealelei died at the Mr Apple Tongan RSE worker’s accommodation at Williams St, Hastings.

The young father is survived by his wife and their two children.

There are now 1162 Tongan workers in New Zealand.

Homicide investigation launched after South Auckland death

By
Kaniva Staff
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Police have launched a homicide investigation after a person died on Beatty Street, Ōtāhuhu, early this morning.

Police were called to the incident at about 2:15am.

One person received critical injuries and died at the scene, Acting Detective Inspector Warrick Adkin, Counties Manukau CIB said.

We are speaking to witnesses and conducting a scene examination today.

Beatty Street remains cordoned off.

Residents in the area can expect to see a continued Police presence as we work to understand the circumstances and ensure the community’s safety.

Further information will be released when it becomes available.

Samoan court overturns shock proclamation after urgent challenge

By
Kaniva Staff
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By RNZ.co.nz and is republished with permission

Samoa’s Supreme Court has overturned the Head of State’s proclamation to suspend Parliament’s scheduled swearing-in tomorrow.

Samoa Chief Justice Satiu Simativa Perese
Samoa Chief Justice Satiu Simativa Perese Photo: RNZ Pacific/Autagavaia Tipi Autagavaia

Tuimaleali’ifano Va’aleto’a Sualauvi II last night suspended parliament “until such time as to be announced and for reasons that I will make known in due course” in a new edict which voided his previous one calling parliament to convene on Monday.

However, the court called the decision by the Head of State “unlawful’, paving the way for parliament to re-convene tomorrow.

The opposition FAST party, which had expected to declare a majority of seats when Parliament re-convened, had its legal challenge to the proclamation heard in the Supreme Court chambers in Apia this morning.

The decision was reached by the bench comprising the Chief Justice Satiu Simativa Perese, Justice Vui Clarence Nelson and Justice Tafaoimalo Leilani Tuala-Warren.

MMA fighter who was at centre of life support battle after ‘coward punch’ dies in Auckland

By
Kalino Latu
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Mixed Martial Art fighter Liufau Tu’iha’angana Vake who  was a victim of an attack in Central Auckland last Sunday morning 16 has died in hospital.

Liufau Vake. Photo/Supplied

A family member has confirmed his death to Kaniva News this morning.

It came after he was put on ventilator while his family were praying for a miracle.

Vake, 25, a fighter at City Kickboxing who trained with UFC champion Israel Adesanya – was left in a coma after being punched from behind in Symonds Street.

Also known as Fau Vake, he died in Auckland Hospital with family by his side this morning, Police said in a statement.

“Our thoughts are with his family at this incredibly difficult time”, it said.

“Given the man’s death, further charges will be filed in due course.

“Four men have already appeared before the Auckland District Court following the incident on 16 May at around 2.55am.

“Police can confirm that we are not currently seeking anyone else in relation to our investigation.

“The investigation team would still like to hear from anyone that witnessed the incident or events leading up to it.

“If you can assist our enquiries, please contact Police on 105 quoting the file number 210516/8173”.

A statement from City Kickboxing said: “It is with inexplicable sadness almost seven days to the hour after his hospital admission, Fau’s fight to find his way back to us ended.

At this tragic time, the Vake family and City Kickboxing ask for time to grieve and reflect on the loss of Fau, a father, a son and a much loved brother to us all”.

The father of one had been on his way home when the incident happened on Symonds St just before 3am.

Vake’s death came amid fresh demands for tougher laws to tackle coward punches.

UFC middleweight Champion, Israel Adesanya, who is Vake’s main training partner, is calling for more serious consequences for “coward punchers”.

Adesanya, who himself had his jaw broken in 2012 when hit from behind, wants to bring attention to the lack of legal recognition of the seriousness of the “coward punch”.

“I am distraught. My gym brother may die because of the gutless actions of these men.

“In the past decade there have been numerous deaths from punches thrown when people are not looking. Given the massive publicity these crimes have received, no one is dumb enough to think there is not a serious risk of death. There is no excuse, it should be considered attempted murder or murder.”

City Kickboxing head coach Eugene Bareman can’t understand why the issue has not been addressed sooner.

“The Australian states of New South Wales, Queensland and Victoria all introduced coward punch laws in 2014.

Fishing boat crew members questioned after alleged beheading at sea

By
Kaniva Staff
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By RNZ and is republished with permission

Three crew members from a Chinese-owned Fiji-flagged fishing vessel are being questioned by police after an alleged beheading at sea.

A Fijian Navy crew hand over the survivors found on board the FV TIRO II to Fiji police.
A Fijian Navy crew hand over the survivors found on board the FV TIRO II to Fiji police. Photo: Rescue Coordination Centre Fiji

Six crew members from the vessel the Tiro Two jumped overboard during the reported “violent incident” on Monday.

One person was aboard a life-raft, with the other five entering the water without lifejackets.

The man in the life-raft has been found, with the Fijian Rescue Coordination Center releasing photos of the moment he was located on Wednesday.

A crewman of the TIRO II is rescued by members of the Republic of Fiji Navy rescue.
A crewman of the TIRO II is rescued by members of the Republic of Fiji Navy rescue. Photo: Rescue Coordination Centre Fiji

The Chinese-owned, Fiji-flagged tuna longliner FV TIRO II was found on Wednesday by the Orion about 90 nautical miles west of Fiji, with two crew members still onboard.

The Fijian Rescue Coordination Center has also released photos of the two men found on board the vessel being handed over to police.

A Fijian Navy crew hand over the survivors found on board the FV TIRO II to Fiji police.
A Fijian Navy crew hand over the survivors found on board the FV TIRO II to Fiji police. Photo: Rescue Coordination Centre Fiji
A Fijian Navy crew hand over the survivors found on board the FV TIRO II to Fiji police.
A Fijian Navy crew hand over the survivors found on board the FV TIRO II to Fiji police. Photo: Rescue Coordination Centre Fiji

After taking on water Thursday night, FV TRIO II sank yesterday morning.

Fiji Navy commander Captain Humphrey Tawake said all three survivors were now being spoken to by the police in Suva in relation to the violence on board the trawler.

He said the search continued for the other crewmembers.

“They’ve been in the water since Monday, so your survival in the water without any lifesaving equipment is drastically reduced. But we remain optimistic.”

Earlier, Captain Humphrey Tawake told the Fiji Times newspaper they were aware of allegations that a Fijian national had beheaded a second Fijian national following a “heated argument”.

“However, we cannot comment on these allegations since police will carry out their own investigations to ascertain these claims.

“We are aware that part of the crew had jumped overboard while two remained on the vessel.”

A New Zealand Air Force Orion aircraft has also been helping in the search for the remaining five men.

Ha’apai Governor keeping office after sentencing encourages illegal acts: Lawyer Nalesoni Tupou

By
Kalino Latu
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The Tu’i’onetoa government has been accused of encouraging illegal acts after the Ha’apai governor was convicted and fined $12,500 in the Supreme court this week.

(L-R) Lawyer Nalesoni Tupou, Governor Viliami HIngano Manuopangai and Prime Minister Tu’i’onetoa

Tongan New Zealand-based lawyer Nalesoni Tupou wanted to know how serious enough an offence for the Prime Minister to force a Cabinet minister including governors to resign.

“For the time being if you would like somebody to become the governor of an island they have to break the law first as that was what the leaders did before they were appointed as governor,” Tupou wrote in Tongan.

The lawyer was concerned after it appears the government failed to do a background check of Viliami Manuopangai Hingano before the Prime Minister recommended his appointment.

He was appointed by the king in January this year just five months after he was charged with possession of unlawful huge amount of 198 kg turtle meat in August 2020.

“The Prime Minster was happy to give the post to criminals,’ Tupou claimed.

Tu’i’onetoa has yet to respond to our previous question asking him if he would dismiss Hingano after his conviction in March.

The Prime Minister was also under pressure over calls for his Minister of Infrastructure ‘Akosita Lavulavu to resign as she is currently facing two separate serious fraud charges in courts.

In response to the calls by the Opposition for Akosita to resign, the Prime Minister previously said: “Let the law rule.”

Akosita and her husband ‘Etuate face charges of knowingly dealing with forged documents and obtaining credit by false pretenses, after irregularities were found in an audit of the ‘Unuaki ‘o Tonga Royal Institute in 2016 and a land lease complaint in 2020.

Tu’i’onetoa previously said: “Everyone is innocent until proven guilty” implying that this was the only justification for him to sack a Cabinet minister who has serious allegations.

But Tu’ionetoa stopped short of answering a question from Kaniva News asking him if this meant he would sack ‘Akosita if the courts will find her guilty.

“I ask you to please re-read and re-read my first response I gave you previously the answer is there and read the constitution to understand it,” Tu’i’onetoa said in response to a question we expected him to reply yes or no.

At the time, the Prime Minister was e-mailed another question.

“Will you sack the Ha’apai governor Viliami Manuopangai Hingano after he was recently found guilty by the court of unlawful possession of (198kg) turtle meat”.

The Prime Minister has yet to reply to that question.

In convicting the governor last month, the Supreme Court judge said:

“Having heard the accused‘s background, he being a director in the Ministry of Public Enterprises, and he had been a member of Parliament representing District 12 of Ha’apai which included Lofanga, and having grown up and living in Ha’apai, I do not believe his evidence that he did not know that an approval was required before a turtle was killed”.

Tongan courts have no power to  order a cabinet minister or the governors to resign. That power rests with the Prime Minister and the king by the constitution.

The two governors and all Cabinet ministers were appointed by the king on the advice of the Prime Minister.

This means, it was the Prime Minister’s prerogative to appoint and dismiss them through the king’s constitutional power at any time at his pleasure.

Minister Lavulavu ‘must come’ to her fraud trials, she cannot use parliamentary privilege to defend herself: Crown Prosecutor

By
Kalino Latu
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Crown Prosecutor Sēmisi Lutui has clarified queries from media about the Minister of Infrastructure Akosita Lavulavu’s fraud trials after the king opened parliament earlier this month.

The Minister and his disgraced husband ‘Etuate Lavulavu were defending themselves in court against allegations of defrauding over half a million pa’anga from the government’s schools subsidiary funding grants.

They also face another separate trial in the Magistrate court in which they were being accused of using forged documents in a land lease deal in Vava’u.

The Supreme Court is expected to reach a verdict soon.

The media wanted to know if Akosita can use the legal protection of parliamentary privilege to tell the Supreme Court she was busy with her parliamentary responsibilities and therefore she could not attend her trial.

Lutui said the Supreme Court can order Akosita to be arrested if she did not turn up to her trial, the Kakalu ‘O Tonga newspaper reported.

He said in cases like this the power of the court can overrule the power of parliament.

The Tongan constitution clause 73 for immunity from judgement made the prosecutor’s clarification clearer.

It said:

“The members of the Legislative Assembly shall be free from arrest and judgment whilst it is sitting except for indictable offences and no member of the House shall be liable for anything he may have said or published in the Legislative Assembly”.

The advice from the government’s law office came after Opposition Leader Semisi Sika said there were no more excuses for Akosita to continue in her various ministerial roles on full pay when she is expected to spend most of her times in court.

Akosita rejected the calls for her resignation saying there was no legal basis for her to resign. She echoed the Prime Minister’s house rule of “Let the law rule” insisting she was innocent until proven guilty.

The Tonga courts have no power to dismiss or order a Cabinet minister to resign. That power rests with the authorities of the Prime Minister.

The governor of Ha’apai was convicted and ordered on Friday to pay a fine of $12,500 in the Supreme court this week for unlawful possession of large amount of turtle meat.

We asked the Prime Minister whether he would sack the governor but he has yet to respond.

Israel Folau returns to rugby league

By
Kaniva Staff
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This story appears on RNZ.co.nz

Sacked former Australian rugby international Israel Folau has announced he’s returning to rugby league with Gold Coast team Southport Tigers.

The former dual-code international saw his Rugby Australia contract terminated in 2019 after he refused to take down a controversial social media post in which he said “hell awaits” gay people.

Folau reached an out of court settlement with Rugby Australia before moving to France to play rugby league in the Super League with Catalans.

Folau said his comments had nothing to do with playing the game and he had no regrets.

Catalans have indicated that they will demand compensation to release Folau from his contract, which runs until the end of 2021.

He could play for the club as soon as next week but his registration with Queensland Rugby League is still pending.

Folau, whose two brothers currently play at the Tigers, said that he was “grateful for this opportunity”.

“I’m just grateful for that opportunity to get back on the field and put the boots back on. I’m excited.”

St George Illawarra made a bid to bring Folau back into the NRL earlier this season, but withdrew the application after a backlash from sponsors and supporters.

-ABC

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