A husband from Navutoka accused of murdering his wife pleaded guilty while he appeared for the first time at a court in Tonga on Tuesday last week.
Lokoua Taufahema, aged 43, pleaded guilty over the death of his wife Halaevalu Laionosi Sau’iafaa Taumoe’anga Taufahema after the injured woman died in Vaiola Hospital in December 27, 2014.
A post modem examination suggested Halaevalu died after her body was doused with boiling cooking oil sometimes in December 26, 2014 before she was rushed to hospital by relatives. Police alleged Lokoua scalded his wife with the hot-boiling cooking oil while she was asleep.
Lokoua pleaded guilty to his charge for manslaughter but he declared a not-guilty plea for his charge of murdering the victim.
He was remanded in Police custody to reappear in court on March, 27.
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