Five men have been arrested and charged with conspiracy to commit robbery in relation to a robbery at a home in Sopu on 11 June, where a woman occupant was allegedly raped.

The Police Commissioner Grant O’Fee said today the accused in their mid-20’s were remanded in custody while detectives were summarizing further evidence that would lead to further charges against them.

On Tuesday, 8 July detectives from the Tonga Police Criminal Investigation Unit arrested the five suspects after seizing some of the goods stolen from the house at Sopu. They are expected to appear at the Nuku’alofa Magistrate’s Court on Tuesday, 15 July.

“I would like to thank the public for all the help during this investigation,” said Commissioner O'Fee.

Robbery

The police had earlier reported that the incident occurred between 2:00-3:00am on Wednesday, June 11 at the home where the male suspects broke into the house with their faces covered up with clothing. The woman in her 40’s was sleeping at home alone. It is alleged they tied her up while the robbery took place and one of the suspects is alleged to have raped her before they fled with stolen items that included $2,000 pa’anga cash, two flat TV screens and liquor bottles.