Results for From the Courts

Separate trials will be held in 2020 for Lord Tu’ivakano and two other co-accused, who are charged with Tongan passport offences at the Supreme Court.

Viliami Mangisi (60) was sentenced to 12-years six-months imprisonment for possession and attempting to export 1.9 kilograms methamphetamine, when he was arrested at Fua‘amotu International Airport, in 2018. The offender was a mastermind and a deterrent sentence was required “to protect society from offenders who participate in and promote this evil trade," said the judge.

A 30-year-old man received a fully suspended sentence for theft when he used pre-signed withdrawal slips and withdrew money from his customary adopted father’s account, at Tonga Development Bank.

The Supreme Court upheld a conviction imposed on a man in Vava'u who scammed another of $7,000 pa'anga in return for kava.

The Supreme Court has dimissed an appeal against a defamation ruling in a civil case between two tourism operators in Vava'u last year.

The case against five men charged with the murder of Sione Feimoefiafi (49) in the Nuku'alofa CBD, is expected to be called for the first time at the Supreme Court on December 3.

Lord Tu'ivakano will now proceed to trial on 14 counts relating to the issuance of Tongan passports. This was after, a ruling today by Lord Chief Justice Michael Whitten, who found there is sufficient evidence to commit him for trial on eight out of the nine charges that the former Prime Minister challenged (the other six charges were not challenged).

A verdict is expected this week in a jury trial against Viliami Mangisi (59) charged in relation to the seizure of 1.9 kilograms of methamphetamine at Fua‘amotu International Airport. The trial is underway at the Nuku'alofa Supreme Court.

Tonga’s National Qualifications and Accreditation Board (TNQAB) exceeded its authority when it imposed sanctions, while ‘Atenisi had an application for accreditation pending. In a Supreme Court judgment this week, Lord Chief Justice Whitten said that while the Act enables the board to make policies - it cannot create or confer on itself any power, which is not provided for by the Act or which contravene fundamental rights.