A third arrest was made last night in relation to the armed robberies at four Chinese retail shops at different locations in Nuku'alofa area, starting on Saturday, January 9.

Acting Deputy Commissioner Tevita Vailea said this morning, the 26-year-old man was arrested at a bush area between Pea and Tokomololo.

Police now have three suspects they were targeting in custody. The Ha’ateiho community patrol volunteers assisted police in this arrest.

Meanwhile, the prime suspect, a 23-year-old was first arrested on January 12 at a home in Fangaloto.

The second arrest was made yesterday, January 13 at a home in Puke.

All men are charged with armed robbery and remained in police custody pending court appearances.

The Acting Deputy Commissioner thanked the members of the public for their prompt assistance to police.

He also thanked the local Chinese community for their cooperation in providing timely information that helped their investigation. 

"We want to ensure our local Chinese community and any member of the public that Police will not tolerate these offendings and will respond swiftly to arrest those who threaten the safety of our community."

The armed robberies occurred at retail shops in Houmakelikao, Kapeta, Tofoa and Ma'ufanga.

Tonga Police 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 also taken from the shops along other goods and the alleged offenders fled in a car, a black Nissan cube.

During the first arrest, police had recovered some of the stolen goods and cash as well as the machete allegedly used in the robberies.

The investigation continues.