U.S. Peace Corps director attackers denied bail [1]
Wednesday, September 7, 2016 - 09:50. Updated on Wednesday, September 7, 2016 - 18:27.
Hemaloto Makafilia (23) and Sailosi Lau’i (21) who were arrested and charged for the brutal attack of a 56-year-old American woman, the United States Peace Corps Director in Nuku’alofa in July, were denied bail by the Nuku'alofa Magistrate's Court on Monday, 5 September.
The two accused are being detained in prison until 19 September.
Hemaloto from Sopu is charged with grievous bodily harm. While, Sailosi from Hala’ovave is charged with abetment to grievous bodily harm.
The attack occurred while US Peace Corps Director was jogging on the Sopu waterfront on Saturday morning, 16 July. The victim was reported to have been attacked from behind, while she was running. She was knocked to the ground and punched repeatedly on the face before the attackers fled.