Results for housebreaking

Crime is spiking in Tonga this year, according to new statistics released by Tonga Police, who warn the public to watch out for housebreaking and thefts, fake online car dealers and vehicle thefts.

A prolific armed robber, Rodney Toki (27), must serve another two years in prison, to be added onto a 12 years sentence he is already serving, the Appeal Court ruled this month. “This is one of those rare cases where there is little if any hope of his rehabilitation. The protection of society requires that he remain imprisoned for a lengthy period, which properly reflects the total seriousness of his two distinct bouts of criminal offending," stated the Appeal Court ruling.

Jailed offender Siosaia Hungalu (27) was sentenced to three-years imprisonment for the housebreaking and theft of Tongan mats, valued at around $13,900 pa'anga, from a residence in Kolofo’ou. He is serving time for other offences.

Rodney Toki (28) who is currently serving a lengthy jail term for a string of armed robberies, at Chinese-run shops in Tonga, has been sentenced to five-years and four-months imprisonment for other offences in a crime spree that spanned from late July until the end of August 2021.

‘Alefosio Vaiangina (44) will be sentenced in July after he was convicted of housebreaking and theft of Tongan fine mats valued at $28,400 pa'anga from the Royal Palace in Vava’u.

Prolific thief Sione Katoa who is currently serving a prison sentence was sentenced to 11-months imprisonment for common assault, serious housebreaks and theft of high value electronic goods.

Two men are in police custody after arrests related to breaking into churches and theft of Tongan mats, tapa and decorations.

Siu 'i Vahanoa Tu’ipulotu (49) was sentenced to two and a half-years imprisonment for serious housebreaking and robbery at a store in Ma'ufanga, where he punched the complainant several times, before stealing goods. The judge said that the accused's own alcoholic self-destruction was becoming more dangerous not only to himself and his family, but also to the community because he was repeatedly demonstrating dark, violent behaviour.

Prolific thief, Penisimani Tupa's application for leave to appeal against his six-years nine-months sentence was denied by the Lord Chief Justice, at the Nuku'alofa Supreme Court, who noted the applicant's “appalling criminal history”, and that the applicant had learned nothing and therefore could not expect further leniency.