Chief Magistrate dies suddenly [1]
Monday, September 20, 2010 - 17:32. Updated on Monday, September 9, 2013 - 18:40.
TONGA'S Chief Police Magistrate Samiu Palu (64) died suddenly on Saturday, September 18 after collapsing at his plantation in Tongatapu.
The funeral service was held at the Fasi Free Wesleyan Church at 3:00 pm today before he was buried at Takaunove Cemetery. Samiu Palu had been on the bench at the Magistrate's Court for over 20 years.
The sudden death leaves the Tonga lower courts with only three magistrates, Sione 'Etika, Paula Tatafu and Folau Lokotui.
However, it is understood that Folau Lokotui intends to resign from his position in the public service soon to run as a candidate in the General Election in November leaving only two magistrates for Tonga.
Shortage
Earlier this year, Chief Police Magistrate Samiu, told Matangi Tonga that there was a shortage of magistrates in the lower court but they were managing the cases.
Since January there have been only four magistrates, a large decrease from about 10 magistrates that presided in the lower courts in 2009.
Of the three remaining magistrates two presided in Tongatapu and one was based in Vava'u. Ha'apai has no magistrate and the magistrate in Tongatapu goes up once a month to hear their cases.
Funeral
Today, September 20 both the Supreme Court and Magistrate's courts delayed hearings to attend the funeral at Fasi mo e Afi.
Samiu Palu is survived by his wife Leipua Palu and three children Tevita Palu, Sesilina Palu Hola and 'Uliti Palu Jr as well as grandchildren.