Vanuatu’s Minister of Health, John Still Tari Qetu, was arrested in Port Vila on Wednesday and charged with intentional assault and causing public disorder in relation to an incident from July 2024. Police confirmed that Qetu was taken into custody around midday, where he provided a sworn statement.
The incident at the center of the charges occurred when the complainant, a man returning home from Club Lit, witnessed a young man assaulting a woman outside the Grand Hotel & Casino. In an attempt to intervene, he claims that Qetu, along with his driver, arrived and assaulted him. According to the complainant, Qetu punched him in the head, knocking him down. He alleges that the minister then sat on his back, while his driver kicked him in the head, leaving him unconscious.
The complainant stated that the attack occurred because he recognized the woman as the daughter of one of Qetu’s former government colleagues. He believes the minister and his driver mistook him for being involved with the young man who had assaulted the woman.
After the attack, a group of bystanders confronted Qetu and his driver, with the minister allegedly being assaulted in return. His driver then fled with the minister’s official vehicle.
The complainant’s family made attempts at resolving the issue through customary reconciliation, but Qetu rejected the offer. They have since stated that no out-of-court settlement will be pursued, and they are committed to seeing the minister face legal consequences for his actions.
Qetu appeared in court for remand and was granted bail. In addition to the criminal charges, the complainant intends to file a complaint with the Ombudsman’s Office, seeking an investigation into potential violations of the Leadership Code Act.
