A 27-year-old police officer has been arrested and charged with the armed robbery of a shop at Ma’ufanga on Saturday, May 20.

This officer was arrested and charged on Tuesday, May 23.

The incident occurred at 7:00pm when a masked man entered the store armed with a knife and threatened the shopkeeper. No one was injured and the alleged offenders fled the scene with approximately $700 cash.

He will appear at the Fasi Magistrate Court on Friday, May 26.

A second man, a 38-year-old from Pahu, also facing the same charges, will appear at the same lower court on Monday, May 29.

Police Commissioner Caldwell said the allegations are extremely concerning.

"However the arrest is a very clear signal that no one is above the law and I commend the investigators for conducting a thorough and impartial investigation.”

The arrested officer who is in custody was served a suspended notice today.

Tonga Police stated that the criminal investigations on the case are continuing.