Lord Tu’iha’ateiho appeared at the Nuku’alofa Magistrate’s Court on Monday, 15 August and had his case committed to the Supreme Court for arraignment on Friday, 23 September.

The accused noble, a current Ha’apai Noble’s Representative of the Tonga Legislative Assembly is charged with numerous counts, including possession of unlicensed ammunition namely a 1x300 WIN MAG, unlawful killing of an animal (a pig), discharging a firearm within boundaries of a town, ‪trespassing into a yard with a firearm, unlawful imprisonment, common assault and public disturbance.

These charges are in relation to two incidents in April and May this year that allegedly involved arguments with neighbouring workers and a person who may have been a distant relative in Ha'ateiho.

This led to complaint filed and police executed a search warrant at his home in Ha'ateiho where the bullet was allegedly found.

The noble was arrested on 4 May and released on bail the next day.