Tonga policeman in custody - charged with armed robbery

A Tonga policeman is in custody and has been suspended after being charged with armed robbery.

The 27 year old man, who police have not named, allegedly carried out the robbery last Saturday evening at Ma'ufanga.

He was allegedly brandishing a knife when he confronted a shopkeeper, getting away with $US302 dollars.

The police commissioner, Stephen Caldwell, said the allegations were extremely concerning but the arrest showed no one is above the law.

RNZI reports a second man has also been arrested in relation to the incident and is facing the same charge.

They will both appear in the Magistrate's Court on Friday.