Mekiloni Fotu, a prisoner at Hu'atolitoli Prison, told the Nuku'alofa Supreme Court this morning, Monday June 23 that he saw the accused Sosefo 'Amone set fire to a couch in the Shoreline building on November 16, 2006.

Fotu told the court that he knew the accused well before November 16, because they used to play rugby together in a Mu'a team. He then pointed out and identified 'Amone in court.

'Amone, is charged with eight counts of murder and one count of arson relating relating the eight deaths that resulted from the fire in the Shoreline building on November 16.

The accused is appearing together with the Tongatapu no. 2 People's Representative 'Isileli Pulu and Siosiua 'Ulutaufonua in a jury trial that began last week.

Fotu said that when he arrived at the Shoreline Building the windows and most parts of the building were already damaged by the crowd. He went and stood about five metres away from the main entrance for about two minutes.

"I went and stood there to see if I could get something, because people were busy looting phone cards," he said. While standing near the main entrance he saw the accused 'Amone inside the building bending over a black cushioned couch, trying to set fire to it.

"The couch was turned upside down and I was looking straight at 'Amone who was facing the direction of the entrance.

"He lifted a lighter and started to light the couch with it, when the couch caught fire I backed away and walked down Taufa'ahau Road back to town," said the witness.

Identified

The Crown is alleging that 'Amone and 'Ulutaufonua set the fire to the Shoreline building and that Pulu abetted them to commit the crime.

Mekiloni Fotu, the 14th witness of the Crown is currently a prisoner serving a four years sentence at Hu'atolitoli Prison after being convicted of 16/11 related offences in February this year.

Crown Prosecutor Linda Folaumoetu'i also presented to the witness a set of pictures.

The witness identified the accused in some of the pictures and described him to be the one wearing black shorts, a white t-shirt, running shoes and sunglasses, which he confirmed to be the same clothes he saw him in on November 16.

Trail of damage

The witness recalled on the morning of November 16, he came to Pangai Si'i to listen to the speeches before going to do some shopping.

He then returned and remained at the park before walking down to the Prime Minister's Office to watch the damage. He estimated about 3,000 people had gathered outside the office.

He said from his understanding the people were assembled outside the office to wait for a letter from the Prime Minister, and because there was no response they became upset and stoned the office.

He then left the site for the Molisi Tonga Supermarket after hearing it was being smashed. After watching there, he walked down to the Shoreline building along Taufa'ahau Road.

The trial continues this week with more witness to be called by the Crown. The defence are also expected to call their own witnesses to give evidence.