15 Feb 2018

Young woman attacked and killed in Tonga in wake of Gita

9:02 am on 15 February 2018

Police in Tonga are dealing with the alleged murder of a young woman in the wake of Cyclone Gita.

Matangi Tonga reports an 18-year-old man has been charged with the murder of an 18-year-old woman.

It's alleged he assaulted her with a machete on a road in Nuku'alofa the day after Cyclone Gita hit the capital.

The website reports police said the accused and deceased were in a relationship and had one child together.

The accused was allegedly intoxicated when he saw the victim walking with other people after swimming at a public pool on Vuna Road at Ma'ufanga.

A police spokesperson said the woman died on the spot.

An investigation is underway into the circumstances but it is alleged that jealousy might have been involved.