There was no foul play involved in two deaths investigated by Tonga Police last year, in cases that involved a woman who died in a house fire in Vava’u and a man whose body was found in his car under the sea at Tu’imatamoana Wharf on Tongatapu. Meanwhile, another drowning death in Vaipua Harbour is being re-investigated by Tonga Police.

Tonga Police Commissioner Shane McLennan released the results of their investigations with Deputy Commissioner Tevita Vailea and Chief Superintendent Filipe Fifita, at the Tonga Police Headquarters in Longolongo, yesterday 18 January.

Vava’u house fire death

He said that Tonga Police had carried out further investigations into the tragic death of Tu’imala Moala (46) in a house in Neiafu on 8 November 2022. This was to ensure that all avenues had been properly explored. The investigation concluded it to be an accident and there was no foul play.

He said Tonga Police had gathered 34 witness statements from a range of people, including those who worked with Tu’imala as well as her husband. It was apparent from eye witnesses, who had observed the fire from various distances and angles, that the husband and a witness were calling out to Tu’imala to jump.

“They also observed Tu’imala climbing down the roof to the patio on the second level where they noticed she was walking back and forth along the patio, in an attempt to climb over the railings. Unfortunately, she was not successful in getting over the rail.”

The initial fire investigation by Tonga Fire and Emergency Services (TFES) was unable to be thorough due to bad weather at the time.

"Tonga Police acknowledges that there have been various allegations appearing on social media, predominantly on Facebook which were all been considered and subsequently have been disproven.

“We have exhausted all means at our disposal in investigating what occurred on the morning of 8 November 2022. After reviewing the file by the investigators, as well as the Police Legal Unit oversight, there is nothing that would lead Tonga Police to believe there has been any foul play."

The Police Comissioner said before the investigation was finalized, they awaited the final investigation report from TFES.

"However, we don’t believe there is anything suspicious that is known at this stage."

Drowning Deaths

Police Commissioner McLennan said the inquest on the death of 35-year-old Talanoa Leakona Lemoto of Hala’ovave whose body was recovered from underwater on 13 December 2022 was conducted on 10 January 2023, and concluded with three main findings:

1. The positive identification of the deceased as Talanoa Leakona Lemoto.
2. The cause of death was by accident after Mr. Lemoto’s vehicle fell into the water while he was intoxicated (a sample had been sent to NZ for toxicology test).
3. There is no evidence indicating any foul play or criminal activities related to the death of Mr. Lemoto.

The inquest panel was chaired by Magistrate Salesi Mafi with independent members of the Ma’ufanga community including the pathologist, CEO Health, Dr. Siale ‘Akau’ola who conducted the autopsy, and the deceased’s wife and family. The autopsy revealed no signs of any internal or external injuries or bruises in the deceased’s body. The car was also preserved and forensically examined.

Drowning Death in Vaipua Harbour

Tonga Police also carried out investigations into the drowning death of Francis ‘Iohasi Tu’amoheloa at Vaipua Harbour, Vava’u on 9 October 2022.

“The case is being re-opened after the deceased’s mother lodged an official complaint to our Professional Standards Unit (PSU) stating their dissatisfaction with the result of the police investigation and the inquest.

PSU further investigated the complaint and concluded that page 2 of the inquest was improperly handled, resulting in the Police Commissioner directing to re-open the case.

“Meanwhile, the investigation into the matter continues with no significant person of interest at this stage. It is likely to be completed by mid-March and further updates will be provided if anything significant occurs,” said the Police Commissioner.