Sefo Kautai (58) appeared at the Magistrate’s Court yesterday, June 3, charged with three counts in relation to the alleged shootings and wounding of two relatives at a plantation in Lavengatonga, Tongatapu, on May 29.

The Acting Assistant Police Commissioner Tevita Fififa said today the accused who was further remanded in custody, had been charged with grievous bodily harm, unlawful imprisonment and assault.

He is expected to appear again at the lower court on June 5.

Meanwhile, another male accused named Tu’a Tavake has been charged with unlawful imprisonment in relation to this incident.

Police had reported that the accused allegedly shot his 50-year-old brother-in-law in the right knee, and his 18-year-old nephew on his right foot with a .22 rifle, during a quarrel over mulberry trees that were missing from his plantation. The alleged shootings took place at around 4:00-5:00pm.

The 50-year-old victim is the brother of the accused’s wife. The boy is his a son of his wife’s sister.