An arrest has been made in relation to four armed robberies at Chinese shops in Houmakelikao, Kapeta, Tofoa and Maúfanga that began Saturday 9 January 2021. Tonga Police said they were called to respond to incidents involving two men wearing masks who entered the shops armed with a machete and a piece of metal.

“Cash was taken from the shops along other goods and the alleged offenders fled in a car - a black Nissan cube,” A/Deputy Commissioner Tevita Vailea, reported this evening.

A search warrant was executed at a residence at Fangaloto resulted in the arrest of the main suspect in the robberies, a 23-year-old man from Fangaloto and the recovery of some of the stolen goods and cash, as well as the machete that was allegedly used in the robberies.

“Our investigations team has worked tirelessly over the last three days together with help from the public and the Chinese community to make an identification and gather information.”

“We hope this arrest brings some reassurance to the community, who may have been alarmed by this incident,” he said.

A/Deputy Commissioner Tevita Vailea said that Tonga Police allege that the recent spate of armed robberies can be attributed to the 23-year-old suspect and his associates.

This spike is in contrast to the last two years when only one armed robbery was recorded in 2019 and zero in 2020. The trend has gone down from 20 armed robberies recorded in 2016.

“Partnerships between the Chinese community, Tonga Police, and the Community Patrol volunteers have helped to keep these incidents rare and our communities safe.”

Police investigations continue with the search for all other accomplices. “Anyone with information that may assist this investigation is urged to call 7401634 or 23713,” he said.