Child dies

Father in court over son’s death in Tongatapu

Local news media report that seven-year-old Alifeleti Peneti Jnr Vailea died after falling from a moving vehicle on 2 October.

Alifeleti was sitting at the back of the vehicle with his twin brother when the incident occurred.

Va’ati Vailea, 36, who was driving the vehicle, was charged with criminal negligence causing death.

However, police reportedly said they were considering dropping the case due to the nature of the incident.

The family have lamented their loss on Facebook.

Tatakamotonga driver given suspended sentence for causing death of child

Simi Moala, 28, was driving a light open van at speed of between 50 and 60 mph before he overtook two motor vehicles in front of him before fatally hitting the boy last year.

According to Kaniva News, Moala admitted causing death by careless driving at earlier hearing.

Supreme Court Judge Laki Niu heard that the van experienced mechanical failure and Moala was speeding.