Death in Mu’a police cell under investigation [1]
Wednesday, July 6, 2022 - 11:10. Updated on Wednesday, July 6, 2022 - 11:16.
By Linny Folau
A 69-year-old man from Lapaha who was detained in police custody at the Mu’a Police Station was found dead in a cell on Monday morning, 4 July.
Police said the man was was overly intoxicated, when arrested and detained by Police during the evening on Sunday, 3 July, following a complaint and call for assistance from his wife.
Police said they found him dead in the police cell on the morning of 4 July in circumstances indicating suicide.
Investigators from the Tonga Police Professional Standards Unit are probing into the death,
“We are allowing the Professional Standards investigation to take its course. Any negligence of duty is not acceptable and will not be tolerated, as it undermines the commitment of the majority of our police staff and importantly, the trust and confidence of the public that we serve,” said Police Commissioner Shane McLennan.
Tonga Police are required to follow procedures outlined in the Custody Management Policy.
An inquest will be held upon completion of the police investigation.
No other details was released at this stage.