Man knifed in brawl [1]
Wednesday, October 21, 2009 - 17:34. Updated on Thursday, August 21, 2014 - 15:11.
A 30-year-old man injured a 52-year-old man with a knife in a brawl at a Nuku'alofa restaurant last Friday night, the Tonga Police reported.
A man was arrested following the incident.
Police Commander Chris Kelley said it is a major concern that a knife was used as a weapon. Also of major concern is the rise in assault cases that last week stood at 17 in addition to five bodily harm incidences.
Another incident took place on the same day, October 16, at the 'Eua Prison where a sergeant was wounded after being attacked by a prisoner.
He confirmed another assault case arising out of domestic violence. A parent used a weapon to physically assault her two young children. Police are prosecuting the mother.
Commander Kelley stressed it is a major concern that Tonga this year has had seven murders and 10 suicides, which has surpassed last year's figures.
"Is violence a way of life here in Tonga? I hope not. Violence is never acceptable whether resorting it to others or to oneself," stressed the Commander.
Drugs
He also confirmed that the Border Control at the Fua'amotu International Airport arrested a male suspect last weekend for carrying illicit drugs into the country.
He cautioned anyone who might be thinking of carrying drugs in and out of Tonga.
"You would just be buying yourself a considerable amount of time in prison because heavy penalties for drugs in Tonga carries up to 30 years imprisonment," he warned.