Three men who were arrested in relation to two armed robberies, using guns and disguises at separate Chinese shops in Nuku’alofa last week, remain in police custody.

Police today said on Monday, 21 March at around 10:30pm at a Chinese shop in Mailetaha two men allegedly disguised covering their faces, entered the shop.

One of the suspects who was armed with a gun threatened a 53-year-old Chinese woman cashier for cash.

The victim reported the two men allegedly fled with around $5,000 cash and electronics, including mobile phones and an ipad.

Three-days later on Thursday, 24 March police arrested these two male suspects in relation to this armed robbery.

Good Friday

On Good Friday 25 March, a second armed robbery was confirmed to have occurred at a Chinese shop in Longolongo.

A 33-year-old Chinese man reported to police that after 10:00pm, a man who had his face covered in a mask broke into his shop and started waving a gun in the air demanding cash.

He allegedly fled with around $2,000 cash.

Police arrested a male suspect the next day Saturday, 26 March.

Both men remain in police custody as investigation continues.

No one was injured but police believed these two cases are connected.