Rising suicide rate a major concern [1]
Wednesday, October 14, 2009 - 21:36. Updated on Thursday, August 21, 2014 - 16:31.
SUICIDES in Tonga have risen to 11 this year after a 76-year-old man was found dead at his home in Hoi, Tongatapu on Saturday October 10, according to police.
Acting Deputy Police Commander Sione Talanoa in the Weekly Crime Report on October 13 said the victim was the oldest and an inquest into the death confirmed that he died from hanging.
He said that the number of suicide deaths was a major concern and it is a problem that needed to be addressed.
"We call on parents, the community and all stakeholders to work together to address this, because the act of taking one's own life arises out of many problems such as domestic conflict, relationship issues, loneliness and even hardship."
Last year seven suicide deaths were recorded from January to December.
Found dead
Police also confirmed the body of 44-year-old man was found on October 12 at his bush home in Nualei. An inquest into the death will be held today.
The Acting Deputy Commander also noted the number of serious crimes committed last week increased to 53 from the 40 reported the previous week, due to increase in assault, housebreaking and damage to properties.
Meanwhile, police were still carrying out investigations in relation to any persons in Tonga who may have aided one of Australia's most wanted men, Mohammed Fahda, to enter Tonga in the past weeks.