Soldiers investigated for alleged assault at Vaini [1]
Monday, November 19, 2018 - 18:10
A complaint has been received by Tonga Police from a victim who alleged to have been assaulted by soldiers on November 4 in Vaini. At the same, His Majesty’s Armed Forces said they are investigating the alleged assault.
Acting Superintendent Sisi Toutai Tonga at the Mu’a Police Station said today they have started investigation in regards to the complaint.
He said no one has been charged at this stage but charges will be made if evidence in their investigation concludes so.
It is alleged that the victim had reportedly thrown something at a bus containing the soldiers. This reportedly resulted in some of the soldiers getting off the bus and the alleged assault occured.
Pictures allegedly of this assault had been posted and circulated on social media last week. It appeared to be an assault by uniformed men against a civilian.
Regrets
Meanwhile, in response to media enquiries, a press release from HMAF today stated that they regretted all allegations due to a photographic evidence against HMAF of abusive conduct and physical attack of a public member during an incident on November 4.
“While HMAF is investigating the alleged incident, the HMAF will not tolerate any form of physical abuse by HMAF members against any public members."
HMAF expressed its full support to the rule of law and stated that if any allegation against members of the HMAF came from the public, then it should be dealt with accordingly in the civil court.