Two men charged with rape of young woman [1]
Tuesday, April 9, 2013 - 21:46. Updated on Monday, September 9, 2013 - 18:40.
Two men aged 24 years and 51 years have been charged for the rape of a mentally disadvantaged woman aged 20 years, alleged to have taken place separately at different times in Pangai two years ago.
Deputy Commissioner of Police Koloale'o Soakai said today that the Tonga Police had received the complaint in 2011, and they had just completed a thorough investigation of the incident resulting in the two men from Fakakai and Pangai being charged.
She said the incidents happened at different times independent of each other. The complaint was lodged by members of the victim's family.
"We have been conducting the investigation for a while to gather information. The accused's court date will be set once the court circuit from Nuku'alofa visits the outer islands," she said.
Illegal fishing
She said in Nuku'alofa, two Chinese nationals were arrested on April 4 in relation to unlawful fishing of sea cucumbers. The two men are age 27 years and 31 years from 'Anana. Police had seized 5,000 sea cucumbers and fishing instruments which they handed over to the Ministry of Fisheries.
The accused appeared in court on April 8 and their case was adjourned to May 2013, she said.
Operation
Meanwhile Inspector Fifita said police at Nukunuku on Western Tongatapu had arrested and charged a suspect for housebreaking and theft of a radio and a small amount of cash and stationery at Houma Primary School during Easter break. The male offender had appeared in court and pleaded guilty to the offences.
He said police at the same district recovered some of the stolen goods including a laptop, iPhone and Tongan koloa that were stolen three weeks ago in Te'ekiu.
Nukunuku Police conducted an operation and arrested three suspects, he said.