A 49-year-old man from Kolomotu’a has been charged with manslaughter over the death of Isileli Palu (36), who was electrocuted while erecting tents at a family home in Kolomotu’a last week. Isileli, a New Zealand citizen, was visiting Tonga to attend his father’s funeral and was helping out with preparations.

Police stated that the accused man was a power contractor hired to provide lighting at the funeral venue. According to information obtained by police, one of the power cables used to provide lighting was damaged. As a result, electricity travelled through metal posts that Isileli was holding, causing him to die instantly.