Investigation underway into release of robbery suspect

An internal police investigation is now underway following the release of robbery suspect Tupou Vuetaki from the custody of the Ba Police on Tuesday.

The release occurred due to alleged miscommunication between two police stations.

Police Commissioner Ben Groenewald said Vuetaki is wanted for his alleged involvement in a number of serious robberies in the Western Division and elsewhere.

Groenewald said initial information received at his office indicates that Vuetaki was transferred from Namaka to Ba to be interviewed in relation to an earlier allegation of robbery.

The Commissioner said investigations could not link him to the alleged robbery in Ba, however, due to miscommunication between the stations, Vuetaki was released.

A special taskforce has been appointed to re-arrest him as soon as possible.

Police are again requesting anyone who may have information regarding Tupou Vuetaki’s whereabouts to call 9905296, 917 or 919 or their nearest Police station.