81 arrests in National Lockdown [1]
Tuesday, March 31, 2020 - 19:26
Eighty-one people in Tonga have been arrested since March 28, when Tonga Police started an operation to enforce the one-week national lockdown imposed by Government.
The majority of the arrests were made in Tongatapu, particularly for breach of curfew, obstruction of police officers, public drunkenness and housebreaking.
Other islands reported a few similar cases.
Acting Deputy Commissioner ‘Atunaisa Taumoepeau said today, a 30-year-old man was arrested in Kolofo’u early this morning for breach of curfew.
Police seized 15 cartons of mutton from his car believed to be stolen. Police are making inquiries to determine the owner of the mutton, while the accused from Longolongo is detained in police custody.
The A/Deputy Commissioner urged people to respect the law, respect their officers as they perform their duty.
"This is a difficult time but we need the public to follow instructions and comply with the directions of the National Lockdown."
People need to stay home especially during the curfew hours, he stressed.
“Police are working together with His Majesty’s Armed Forces to enforce the National Lockdown Order, and we will not hesitate to take enforcement action on those who continue to ignore the restrictions,” he said.
He said members of the public can contact the Police Operation Centre on opcc [dot] covid19 [at] police [dot] gov [dot] to or call 23713 to report anyone who is breaching the lockdown instructions.