26th May, 2017 On Tuesday 23 May 2017 a 27 year old police officer was arrested and charged with the armed robbery of a shopkeeper at Ma’ufanga on Saturday 20 May, 2017.
The incident occurred at 7:00pm when a masked man entered the store armed with a knife and threatened the shopkeeper.
No one was injured in the incident and the alleged offenders fled the scene with approximately $700 in cash.
The Police officer has been charged with Robbery and will appear at the Fasi Magistrate Court on Friday 26 May, 2017. A 38-year-old male associate from Pahu is also facing the same charges and will appear at the Magistrate Court on Monday 29 May, 2017.
“The allegations are extremely concerning, however the arrest is a very clear signal that no one is above the law and I commend the investigators for conducting a thorough and impartial investigation.”
The arrested officer is in custody, and will be served a Suspension Notice today.
The criminal investigations into this incident continue.
ENDS
Issued by the: Tonga Police Media & Communication Officer, Tonga Police Headquarters, Longolongo; for media enquiries – Email: siaadams@gmail.com phone (676) 23 323 Fax: (676) 23 036