The victim in a terrifying machete attack in town is facing possible charges as well says the Police Commissioner, Auapaau Logoitino Filipo.

The attack took place early Saturday monring and was identified as disturbing as it happened in the middle of town.

Auapaau said the victim was allegedly intoxicated and seemed to have started the fight.

Auapaau confirmed to this newspaper that a machete-wielding suspect has been charged and stressed that there could also be charges against the victim pending investigations.

He explained that the victim was intoxicated and threw a bottle at a taxi out of the blue which resulted in the taxi driver and his brother chasing him down in their taxi before the driver's brother walked to the victim with a machete.

But before the machete attack, the victim punched the taxi driver in the face which left a wound and his car was also damaged by the bottle that was thrown at his car.

The top cop emphasized that alcohol was the root of the problem but also that the machete attack was still disturbing and a crime.

In a previous interview, Deputy Police Commissioner Papalii Monalisa Tiai-Keti confirmed that the attack took place in the early hours of Saturday last week at Saleufi.

She said the victim, whose identity remains undisclosed, was reportedly intoxicated and engaged in disorderly behaviour. She said the situation took a perilous turn. 

"Confirming an incident at Saleufi in the early hours of Saturday 23 March 2024. The victim was drunk and disorderly as a result he was attacked by someone using a machete. The suspect is yet to be confirmed," Papalii told this newspaper.

"Victim was treated at Motootua Hospital and later discharged. The matter is being investigated by the General Duties Division."

The victim following the assault was rushed to Motootua Hospital for urgent medical attention. Fortunately, after receiving treatment, the victim was discharged. 

Meanwhile, General Duties officers are tasked to examine the circumstances surrounding the attack, with the primary objective of apprehending the perpetrator responsible for the crime.

"This alarming incident serves as a stark reminder of the dangers that can arise from the consumption of alcohol and the ramifications of engaging in disorderly behaviour. Furthermore, it underscores the critical importance of community vigilance and cooperation with law enforcement authorities to ensure the safety and security of all citizens," she added.