Two men and a teenage girl accused in the armed robbery shootings at two petrol stations in Fanga and Veitongo were further remaned in police custody to appear on Monday, September 24 at Fasi Magistrate's Court.

Accused ‘Alamoni Makafilia (30) the alleged shooter, his brother Salesi (37) and Paea Tu'itupou (18) appeared at the lower court this morning. The brothers covered their faces with t-shirts as they arrived and left the court. Paea had dark rings under her eyes, which appeared to be bloodshot.

The Magistrate further remanded the accused in custody, as the police prosecutor requested, while the police investigation continues. 

They have been similarly charged with armed robbery and conspiracy to commit armed robbery. It is expected that more charges will be made against them when they re-appear in court, he said.

Injuries

The first shooting took place at around 3:00am on September 5, where it is alleged that a male shooter disguised in a mask approached the Konifelenisi Trading Ltd. petrol station at Fanga, in Nuku'alofa, and opened fire into the building. Armed with a .22 semi-automatic rifle, he demanded cash before fleeing the scene in a stolen vehicle that was parked at the station.

Police said a male security guard at the petrol station sustained a gunshot wound to his left arm. He was treated for his injury and was released from Vaiola Hospital.

Later, at around 4:00am, it is alleged that the same disguised shooter, approached the Luna'eva Petrol Station in Veitongo, and armed with the same rifle, where he demanded cash from the 31-year-old male station attendant.

The accused and the station attendant got into a fight, where the accused shot the attendant four times, before fleeing the scene leaving behind the firearm as well as his disguise. The attendant is still in Vaiola Hospital.