19th January, 2023 Police Commissioner Shane McLennan met with local media yesterday, Wednesday, 18 January 2023 at the Police Headquarters, Longolongo to provide updates on the probes into tragic deaths in Vava’u and Tongatapu late last year. Assisting the Commissioner in the panel of speakers were Deputy Commissioner Operations Command, Tevita Vailea, and Acting Deputy Commissioner Operations Support Command, Filipe Fifita.
Vava’u Fatal House Fire – Death of Tu’imala Moala
Tonga Police’s further investigations into the tragic death of Tu’imala Moala at the Vava’u house fire on 8 November 2022 to ensure that all avenues have been properly explored have concluded it to be an accident and there was no foul play.
Tonga Police gathered 34 witness statements from a range of people including those who worked with Tu’imala as well as her husband. There were also eyewitnesses who observed the fire whilst it was happening, and though they had observed it from various distances and angles, the one thing that was apparent was that the husband and a witness were calling out to Tu’imala to jump. They also observed Tu’imala climbing down the roof to the patio on the second level where they noticed she was walking back and forth along the patio, in an attempt to climb over the railings. Unfortunately, she was not successful in getting over the rails.
The initial fire investigation by Tonga Fire and Emergency Services (TFES) was unable to be thorough due to bad weather at the time.
Tonga Police acknowledge that there have been various allegations appearing on social media, predominantly on Facebook which were all been considered and subsequently have been disproven. We have exhausted all means at our disposal in investigating what occurred on the morning of 8 November 2022. After reviewing the file by the investigators, as well as the Police Legal Unit oversight, there is nothing that would lead Tonga Police to believe there has been any foul play.
Before the investigation is finalized, we await the final investigation report from TFES, however, we don’t believe there is anything suspicious that is known at this stage.
Drowning Death of Mr. Francis ‘Iohasi Tu’amoheloa (known as Hasi) in Vava’u
Tonga Police investigations on the drowning death of Mr. Francis ‘Iohasi Tu’amoheloa at Vaipua Harbour, Vava’u is being re-opened after the deceased’s mother lodged an official complaint to our Professional Standards Unit (PSU) stating their dissatisfaction with the result of the police investigation and the inquest. PSU further investigated the complaint and concluded that the Page 2 of 2 inquest was improperly handled, following which was the direction from Police Commissioner to reopen the case.
Meanwhile, the investigation into the matter continues with no significant person of interest at this stage. It is likely to be completed by mid-March and further updates will be provided if anything significant occurs.
Drowning Death of Mr. Talanoa Lemoto at Tu’imatamoana Wharf
The inquest on the death of 35-year-old Talanoa Leakona Lemoto of Hala’ovave whose body was recovered from underwater on Monday, 13 December 2022 was conducted on Tuesday, 10 January 2023, and concluded with three main findings:
- The positive identification of the deceased as Talanoa Leakona Lemoto.
- The cause of death was by accident after Mr. Lemoto’s vehicle fell into the water whilst he was intoxicated (Body sample has been sent to NZ for toxicology test).
- There is no evidence indicating any foul play or criminal activities related to the death of Mr. Lemoto.
The inquest panel was Chaired by Magistrate Salesi Mafi with independent members of the Ma’ufanga community including the pathologist, CEO Health, Dr. Siale ‘Akau’ola who conducted the autopsy, and the deceased’s wife and family. The autopsy reveals no signs of any internal or external injuries or bruises in the deceased’s body. The car was also preserved and forensically examined.
ENDS
For further media inquiries please contact, Tonga Police Media & Public Relations Office on 740-1609.