New Zealand national caught after escaping from Tongan police station

Monday 27 July 2026 · 2 outlets · 2 reports · updated Mon 27 Jul, 1:02pm

Liuaki Fungalei Kokohu Vi has been apprehended by Tongan police at a residence in Hala’ovave. The 34-year-old New Zealand national escaped from custody at the Central Police Station in Nuku'alofa last Sunday.

How they headlined it

First reported by NZ Herald, Mon 27 Jul, 12:34pm · 2 reports from 2 outlets over 27 minutes

NZ HeraldMon 27 Jul, 12:34pm

Tonga prison escape: Tongan-Kiwi escapee found after almost a week on the run (opens in new tab)
StuffMon 27 Jul, 1:02pm

Kiwi back behind bars in Tonga after nearly a week on the run (opens in new tab)