Two young people attempted to commit suicide at the end of July and were recovering in the hospital, according to the Tonga Police on August 5. This sparks a major concern as suicidal deaths in Tonga now stands at seven from January to July.

An 18-year-old boy from Ma'ufanga who tried to hang himself with a rope, and a 20-year-old girl from Nukunuku who also tried to hang herself with a rope were admitted to the Vaiola Hospital.

Meanwhile, the cause of death of a 11-year-old boy at Tefisi, Vava'u, on July 20 could not be confirmed by the police. No further information was released because police are continuing their investigation.

Problems

In the Police Weekly Crime Report, the Acting Deputy Police Commander Sione Talanoa, said that the number of suicide deaths was a major concern and a problem that needed to be addressed and resolved.

"We need to work together with parents and the community to try and solve this, because the act of taking one's own life arises out of many problems ranging from problems within the family, the environment that one lives in, relationship issues and even hardship," he said.

The Tonga Police also confirmed that there were six suicidal deaths last year.