Nuku'alofa, Tonga (Matangi Tonga Online): A 41-year-old truck driver has been charged with two counts in relation to the student attack on a home in Tofoa on July 18. The accused, who is alleged to have helped transport the students from Tupou College, is remanded in police custody.
The Deputy Police Commissioner ‘Unga Fa’aoa said this morning the man was arrested yesterday, August 1, and charged with two counts of aiding criminal damage and conspiracy to commit willful damage. He will remain in police custody until a court appearance on Monday August 5.
The police last week charged a total of 150 accused in relation to the attack, including 147 Tupou College students. Three adults charged included a Tupou College teacher and two bus drivers. They have all been released on bail until October this year. The truck driver is the fourth adult to be charged.
Critical condition
Meanwhile, Tonga College Ex-student Taniela Halahuni (22) remains in a critical condition at Vaiola Hospital two weeks after sustaining severe head injuries in the incident that was described as a student riot.
The Police Commissioner Grant O’Fee said yesterday that the victim was still in a very serious condition.
“I am told he is still in a comatose state but starting to respond….so he is looking a little better, but still very serious.”
A second person injured in the attack, Daniel Tather Yom-Kippur Mahe Jr (15), a student at Tonga College was released from hospital.