Five arrested for death of man after bar beating [1]
Tuesday, February 5, 2019 - 13:53. Updated on Tuesday, February 5, 2019 - 17:17.
Five men have been arrested in relation to the death of a 49-year-old man. The victim died after he was assaulted at Tali’eva Bar in the Nuku'alofa CBD on Monday afternoon, February 4.
Acting Chief Superintendent Tevita Vailea said Police arrested a man (51) from Fatai, two men (48 and 43) from Sopu, a man (42) from Fua’amotu and a man (39) from Tofoa.
The suspects were arrested between 8:30am to 9:30am today.
The victim from Puke was rushed to Vaiola Hospital yesterday afternoon and passed away at around 9:08pm.
The suspects are in custody as investigation continues and charges are to be confirmed soon, stated Tonga Police.
Meanwhile, a video of the assault has reportedly gone viral on social media. It appeared that the bar crowd were watching a broadcast of the NFL Superbowl championship match between the Los Angeles Rams and the New England Patriots. The victim is shown being beatenup by a group of men and dragged out of the bar by his hair. He is later seen prostrate in the middle of Taufa'ahau Road outside the bar, where the assault continued.