Nuku’alofa – A journalist with Kele’a Publications in Tonga was allegedly threatened at gunpoint following the broadcast of a radio news report about a prominent individual with links to an outlaw motorcycle gang.
The alleged gunman is reported to have targeted the journalist in apparent retaliation over coverage that linked a prominent individual to the Australian outlaw motorcycle gang, the Comancheros.
The suspect is believed to have been angered by a radio news item broadcast earlier that morning concerning Mr Eneasi Taumoefolau — currently serving a life sentence at Hu’atolitoli Prison — and his reported associations with the Comancheros.
Taumoefolau, an Australian deportee and senior member of the Comancheros outlaw motorcycle gang, was sentenced to life imprisonment in Tonga in early 2026 for importing more than two kilograms of methamphetamine. He was also accused of attempting to establish a “Kingdom Chapter” of the gang in the kingdom.
No one was injured, and police are investigating the incident, according to Kele’a Media.
The outlet confirmed that the incident occurred on Thursday, April 23, 2026, at the organisation’s office in Kolomotu’a, Tongatapu.
An unidentified individual reportedly entered the premises and confronted the staff member while armed with a handgun.
The suspect, described as wearing a black hooded cardigan, allegedly approached the journalist who was alone at the time and threatened them with the firearm.
It is alleged that the suspect warned the journalist not to broadcast any further reports related to Taumoefolau or the gang before leaving the office. The individual then exited in a waiting vehicle.
The news item in question reportedly drew on information from an ABC Foreign Correspondent documentary released on April 22, 2026, via ABC Pacific’s social media platforms. The documentary examined drug trafficking routes from South America to Australia through the South Pacific and the impact of such operations on island nations, including Tonga.
The programme included an interview with Taumoefolau, during which he discussed his alleged connections to the Comancheros and a reported failed attempt to establish a local chapter in Tonga.
Kele’a confirmed that the incident was reported to Tonga Police on the morning of Friday, April 24, and that investigations are ongoing.
In its statement, the publication expressed serious concerns about press freedom and the safety of journalists operating in Tonga, particularly when covering sensitive or controversial issues.
“This unfortunate incident highlights the risks our local journalists face in carrying out their duties,” the statement said.
Kele’a also acknowledged the support of Police Commissioner Geoff Turner and law enforcement officers for their response and ongoing investigation into the matter.
Police have not yet commented.
The report comes after Tonga was ranked 51st by Reporters Without Borders, which noted that politicians are often a source of pressure on local news organisations.
