A Tongan pilot accused of rape has been issued a Departure Prohibition Order preventing him from leaving the country pending his trial. 

Mikaele Paea He Lotu Mateo, 26-years-old of Vailele and New Zealand has pleaded not guilty to all charges through lawyer Alex Sua.

He is charged with two counts of rape and two counts of sexual conduct with a person under 16-years-old. 

The alleged offending took place on 21 September 2024 at Vailele with the complainant being a 15-year-old from New Zealand and Tonga. 

The prosecutor and Attorney General’s Office lawyer, Maiavatele Timothy Fesili sought the departure prohibition order which was subsequently granted by the Supreme Court. 

The hearing for the Tongan pilot who works for Talofa Airways is scheduled for 12 May next year. 

Meanwhile, the courthouse will be closed from Wednesday 16 October to Monday 28 October 2024 in preparation for the Commonwealth meeting.  

The majority of the Commonwealth Heads of Government (CHOGM) side events will be held at the courthouse in Mulinuu. 

The Ministry of Justice Courts and Administration, Chief Executive Officer, Papalii John Taimalelagi confirmed the courts will be closed from Wednesday allowing for the preparation of all court rooms for side events scheduled from Monday 21 to Friday 25 October 2024. 

The courts will remain closed on Monday 28 October 2024 to enable the Ministry of Justice to prepare courtrooms for the resumption of regular court sessions on Tuesday 29 October 2024.