An attempted murder charge has been made against the alleged male shooter in two petrol station shootings in Fanga and Veitongo on September 5.

The Police Prosecutor said today, ‘Alamoni Makafilia (30) faced the attempted murder charge in addition to initial charges of armed robbery and conspiracy to commit armed robbery, and other charges.

The attempted murder charge is under the jurisdiction of the Supreme Court and will be submitted there for trial, he said.

'Alamoni remained in custody to appear at the Fasi Magistrate's Court on November 26.

Another two accused, his brother Salesi (37) and Paea Tu'itupou (18), who had been released on bail, are to appear back at the lower court on the same date as 'Alamoni.

These two have also been similarly charged with armed robbery and conspiracy to commit armed robbery.

Injuries

Tonga Police had earlier reported that the first shooting took place at around 3:00am, where it is alleged that the 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.

A male security guard at the petrol station sustained a gunshot wound to his left arm. 

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

The accused shooter and the station attendant got into a fight, where he shot the attendant four times, before fleeing the scene leaving behind the firearm as well as his disguise.