Crimes increase in Tongatapu [1]
Wednesday, September 9, 2009 - 16:01. Updated on Friday, August 22, 2014 - 11:07.
An increasing number of crimes commited in Tongatapu last week included a, manslaughter, two rapes and a suicide, along with more cases of assault and housebreaking according to the Tonga Police.
The Acting Deputy Police Commander Sione Talanoa in this week's crime report stated, that the two separate rape cases involved a 14-year-old girl at Liahona on August 31; and a 16-year-old girl at Longoteme. Two male suspects were arrested in relation to the crimes, one of them aged 26 years.
He also confirmed that a man was charged with manslaughter by negligence following the death of Samuela Pepa (45) on August 30 at Vaiola Hospital. Mr Pepa was hit by a motor vehicle on Taufa'ahau Road at Havelu on August 21.
Suicide cases have risen to eight for this year, after a 58-year old-male was found dead on September 3 in the village of Vaotu'u. An inquest into the death had confirmed that the victim died from severe spinal cord injuries caused by hanging.
Assaults and housebreaking increase
The Acting Deputy Commander noted that the number of crimes committed last week increased to 53 from the 40 offences reported in the previous week, was due to an increase in assault and housebreaking offences. Of the 53 offences reported, 35 were against properties, 17 against persons, with one bribery offence against the state.
Meanwhile, police were still carrying out their investigations to track down two-armed robbers who robbed a Chinese shop and fled with $600 pa'anga on August 27.