Police in Samoa is reassuring the public that there is no split in the police ministry.
Police spokesperson Su’a Muliaga Tiumalu told a press briefing today that rumours of a divide in the ministry are untrue.
“There is no division amongst the ministry and I can say that all the sectors are working together just fine.”
“I can also say that whatever the events that unfolded in the beginning of the week and the attention that the Police is attracting at the moment is not hindering or obstructing how we do our job. We are still working hard and still timing in our hours of work and we’re still out here to serve our country,” said Su’a.
The briefing was held a day after Cabinet announced the suspension of assistant police commissioner Samoa Mulinuu Mulinuu.
Cabinet has also called a Commission of Inquiry to review Mulinuu’s conduct while in office as well as the activities and services of Samoa Police.
Su’a did not give details about the circumstances surrounding Mulinuu’s suspension.
“I cannot release information about anything regarding the ministry but all I can say is that we met with the Minister (for Police) this morning and he has advised the leaders of the ministry to keep a calm approach towards the matter and that we should stay within the law,” said Su’a.
Minister Sala Fata Pinati was at the police station prior to the media conference.
On Monday, Police arrested Police Commissioner Egon Keil as he reported to work.
He was charged with several offences that have now been referred to the National Prosecution for processing and action.
Keil was cleared last Friday of previous charges relating the unlawful detention of a man.
He had previously been suspended in August pending the court case.
Photo:Samoa Times