Tonga Police are carrying out a further investigation into the death of Tu’imala Uinisē Moala (46), in a house fire in Neiafu, on 8 November. 

A team of police investigators from Tongatapu are currently in Vava’u supported by police investigators there.

“They are working closely with our counterparts from NZ Police that are currently part of the capacity development program working with Tonga Police.They are also in close contact with the deceased’s family members in Tonga and New Zealand,” said a Police statement today.

Police Commissioner Shane McLennan has asked the public to refrain from commenting further on this matter, particularly on social media platforms, as he said these commentaries are often out of context and can be misleading.

“I ask members of the public to please respect the deceased and her family...at this very difficult time. Investigations are ongoing and we are gathering all necessary information on the matter. We are grateful to those members of the public who have come forward and provided information, including video material.

“I am also asking that if anyone has information that they feel would be useful to assist Tonga Police in this matter, to bring that information forward to the Neiafu Police Station or to contact Tonga Police Headquarters, as opposed to engaging in on-line commentary."

He said, Tonga Police and Vava’u officials had followed established procedures as required by the Inquests Act, immediately following the house fire and subsequent loss of life. 

"Having said that, Tonga Police intend consulting with our colleagues at the Attorney General’s Office on options to update legislation as the current Inquests Act dates from 1912 and was last amended in 1988. Tonga Police want to ensure that current best practice models are used where sudden deaths occur and which require further investigation or inquiry,” he said.

“We need to constantly review and update policy, procedure and legislation to reflect the times in which we live. I want the public to have confidence that Tonga Police are open and accountable, that we all need to work together, and that Tonga Police need the help and assistance of the communities that we serve, to keep our communities safe and secure."

Inquest

As earlier reported, Police and Fire Services in Vava'u responded to the house fire reported at around 5:00am.

The deceased and her husband were tenants of the house and were both at home when the fire occurred. Her husband escaped the inferno by jumping from the rooftop of the multi-storey wooden house.

Police stated that a formal inquest was held on 9 November.

The inquest was chaired by the District Officer of Neiafu and attended by a family member of the deceased as well as members of the community.

Based on the doctor’s report and evidence of witnesses, the deceased died from smoke inhalation and burns.