Tofor

Tofor-kon Tete Rengrengmal (1918 – December 1999) was a Vanuatuan chief. He was an influential figure in his community in the northern part of Ambrym due to his actions during World War II.

Early life and family

Tofor-kon Tete Rengrengmal was born around 1918. Tofor's father, Chief Tainmal, was a high-ranking chief on the island.

Role as personal bodyguard

During his adolescence, Tofor developed a reputation as a skilled warrior. He was recruited by Chief Bule Tainmal to serve as his personal bodyguard.

World War II service

During World War II, Tofor received training from the United States Army of the Allies. He saw combat in the Solomon Islands.

Legal disputes and allegations

Tofor faced accusations of involvement in several killings, leading to disputes with French and English authorities. Witnesses attributed these deaths to Tofor's "mystical powers". This made it difficult for authorities to pursue legal action due to the lack of concrete evidence.

Legacy and honors

By the time of Chief Bule Tainmal's passing in 1972, Tofor had achieved the Meleun Getlam rank. He presided over the death-ceremony for his father and fulfilled his Mal rank obligations on the same day.

Tofor died in December 1999.

External links

• Lissant Bolton (September 1998). "Chiefs of Vanuatu". Journal of Pacific History. Archived from the original on 4 December 2017.