Tome’s mother pleads for forgiveness after son’s attack as online donations reach TOP$26,000

A mother has made an emotional plea for forgiveness for those involved in an alleged attack of his son in Australia earlier this week.

Paea Tome (L), Siaki Tome

Paea Tome said what had happened to her son was so heartbreaking because he was asking for money to buy some food before the attack happened.

“Let’s move on and forgive each other,” she said during a Facebook livestream this afternoon from Tonga.

Her son Siaki Tome was subjected to what appeared to be an unprovoked attack on Monday night in Australia.

As Kaniva News reported last night, a man, Sini Piu claimed Siaki was asking for some money from his pay.

Siaki’s mother said today, her son was asking Piu if he can pay him his two-day working hours in advance because he wanted to buy some food.

A livestream video clip released by Piu on the night of the attack, showed he was talking to Tome.

It appeared Piu was having a party with another friend.

The livestream video clip, which was seen by Kaniva News, came to an abrupt halt after what appeared to be an altercation while Piu was trying to break it up.

An apology

Piu later posted an apology to Facebook and attempted to clarify the situation. He claimed the livestream was cut off after he was trying to stop a friend from allegedly attacking Tome.

Siaki’s mother said today she has forgiven the accused.

“I am the mother and I can tell you it was so devastating when I saw on Facebook to what had happened to my son,” Paea said in Tongan.

She pleaded with the community to keep the peace.

Fundraisings

Footage of the alleged attack spread rapidly online, where Tome has received an outpouring of support.

GoFundMe fundraising page was set up by Stenley Schulz, to help get Tome back on his feet.

It is understood other groups including the PTOA Kolope Foundation were fundraising for Tome and they are expected to release the details soon.

Tome is adopted by her maternal grandmother. She has received donations in Tonga from Tome’s supporters and former high school classmates.

Two days after the Go Fund Me page was set up well-wishers have donated more than TOP$26,200 (NZ$16,400) accompanied with heartfelt sentiments from the Tongan community and beyond.

One supporter wrote that while he didn’t know Tome they wished their small donation can help.

“No human is supposed to be treated the way you have been,” they wrote.

Others sent condolences to him and his mother who is in Tonga.

“We support you and hope you find justice and new hope for a better future.”

About The Author

Sometimes when a business is growing, it needs a little help.

Right now Kaniva News provides a free, politically independent, bilingual news service for readers around the world that is absolutely unique. We are the largest New Zealand-based Tongan news service, and our stories reach Tongans  wherever they are round the world. But as we grow, there are increased demands on Kaniva News for translation into Tongan on our social media accounts and for the costs associated with expansion. We believe it is important for Tongans to have their own voice and for Tongans to preserve their language, customs and heritage. That is something to which we are strongly committed. That’s why we are asking you to consider sponsoring our work and helping to preserve a uniquely Tongan point of view for our readers and listeners.

spot_imgspot_imgspot_imgspot_img

Latest news

Related news