Samoa’s Ministry of Police Professional Standards Unit is investigating a police officer, after a woman claimed she was sexually assaulted by her husband against whom she has a protection order
The complainant claims she was sexually assaulted by her husband after the police officer put her and the accused in the same room at the court house in Mulinuu.
Police spokesperson Su’a Le Mamea Tiumalu says the PSU is investigating the case as well as a separate court case regarding the woman’s complaint.
The woman sought a protection order for a domestic violence matter.
“The only information we can give you at this time is that the officer who did put them in the same room despite the protection order is liable for charges if proven. However, the investigations are still ongoing, because I cannot speculate for the police on whatever happened on the day until court has made a decision,” Su’a said.
“The reason why we say the officer is liable and not yet charged is because the two stories, from the victim and the police officer are different. The officer claims that it was her idea to put them in the same room because they needed to talk, now those have not been confirmed yet and it will be proven in court,” said Su’a.
Meanwhile, the protection order from the court was applicable for ten days.
Su’a says the question whether the protection order was still valid is a part of the investigation.
“What the police will do if the case comes through court and the officer failed to heed the protection order that led to the assault of the victim, he will be handed to the PSU for charges to be filed,” he said.