Sitiveni ‘Esi Muli (17) today pleaded not guilty to multiple charges, including murder in relation to the death of a Chinese couple, Mr Feng Sheng Pei and Mrs Su Jie Wen, after his co-accused Sami Kaho Jr (15) will now become a witness for the Crown, when the charges against him were dismissed.

Both were charged with eight counts including two for murder with alternative counts two on manslaughter, two for bodily harm and one each for robbery and serious arson.

Appearing before Hon Mr. Justice Cato at the Supreme Court in Nuku'alofa, the Crown represented by the Acting Attorney General and Director of Public Prosecutions ‘Aminiasi Kefu sought leave to dismiss the charges against the defendant Kaho, which was accepted. Kaho was then discharged on all counts and acquitted. He will be one of the 20 or more witnesses that are expected to be called by the Crown.

Muli, who will be tried by a judge and jury, retained his not guilty plea, represented by counsel Sifa Tu’utafaiva.

A jury was selected and instructed by the judge, before being discharged to allow counsel to deal with a legal matter, before starting on Tuesday afternoon, January 8 with the Crown opening its case.

Tonga Police had reported that the victims, who were both in their 50s, were found dead with stab wounds to their heads and necks at Matafonua bush allotment in Lakepa on February 25, 2018.

The victims' son was outside the courtroom today, supported by the Chinese community and some officials from the Embassy of China in Tonga.