Police investigation

Wellington hostel fire revealed as ‘suspicious’, police appeal to public for information

Acting Wellington District Commander Inspector Dion Bennett says there was a couch fire at Loafers Lodge at around 10.30pm on Monday night, prior to the fatal fire which occurred around two hours later.

“The couch fire was not reported to emergency services at the time. As part of our enquiries, we will be seeking to confirm any link between that couch fire and the subsequent fatal fire.”

Samoa Police probe after serious charges dismissed

Samoan media reports the former rugby league international Tagaloa Maugaloto Palu had attempted murder charges against him dismissed due to the lack of witnesses.

Police Commissioner Auapa'au Logoitino Filipo said if the investigations find there were no valid reasons for why the witnesses did not turn up in court, they should be charged.

The report said Tagaloa attacked two brothers with a machete at a fish market in 2019 before surrendering himself to Police.

Samoa Police investigate alleged double homicide

Deputy Police Commissioner Papalii Monalisa Tiai-Keti confirmed to Tala Fou that a man in his 50s is currently being investigated by the Police after he turned himself in at the Tuasivi Police station.

According to DPC Papalii, the man turned himself in and confessed to allegedly shooting a 60 year old father and his 18 year old at Fogapoa, Savaii earlier yesterday.

Papalii said the alleged homicide is apparently a result of a dispute over land.

She confirmed that the suspect will remain in police custody as Police continue their investigations.

 

Samoa teenager found beaten up and unconscious at bus stop

Assistant Police Commissioner Auapaau Logoitino Filipo confirmed to Tala Fou that the Fire & Emergency Services Authority responded to a call reporting the incident and they found the victim unconscious at the shelter.

The teenager was rushed to hospital where he is in a coma with serious head injuries.

The police have since informed the victim’s family in Taga Savaii of his condition.

Police are investigating the incident and are appealing to the public to come forward with any information that will help them find those responsible for beating up the victim.

Police corruption probe underway in Samoa

A police standards unit investigation identified the officers following interrogations of defendants arrested and charged in recent drug raids.

Samoa's deputy police commissioner, Au'apa'au Logoitino Filipo, confirmed to Radio Polynesia the suspension of three officers and the resignation of two.

Au'apa'au said this is still an ongoing investigation.

The Minister of Police and Prisons, Faualo Harry Schuster, confirmed last month that an internal investigation was carried out to remove corrupt officers over their alleged involvement in dealing and using drugs.

Samoa Police investigate breach of quarantine procedures at MIQ

The personnel involved are grounded at the quarantine site for the remainder of the quarantine period.

A Government release said on Saturday afternoon, the Disaster Finance Team from the Ministry of Finance reported to the National Emergency Operations Centre (NEOC) the sighting of a vehicle assigned to the Three Hearts Shrine quarantine site at the SCB ATM location close to the Fugalei Market.

Consequently, NEOC contacted the driver of the said vehicle to verify the movements of the vehicle that afternoon, in particular between 2.30pm to 3.45pm.

Alec Baldwin turns phone over to investigators

Cinematographer Halyna Hutchins was shot as Mr Baldwin, 63, rehearsed drawing a prop gun on the set of the movie Rust in October last year.

Santa Fe Sheriff's Office confirmed the actor had turned over his device to authorities near his home in New York.

Police had said earlier this week that the actor was not co-operating with the inquiry.

Santa Fe County Sheriff spokesperson Juan Rios told the Los Angeles Times on Friday that police intend to gather data like text messages and voicemails off the handset as part of their investigation into the incident.

Solomons police investigating armed threat on the capital

Responding to local media reports of a group threatening to "unleash a second wave" on the already damaged city police commissioner Mostyn Mangau said investigations were already underway and that the threat is being treated as a matter of national security.

"Police will not tolerate any armed groups or criminals who are taking the opportunity to plan their crimes to threaten the sovereignty of this nation."

Late last month political unrest descended into three days of looting and burning on the streets of the capital causing over $SBD500 million worth of damage.

Boy, 13, stabbed to death in Reading

Officers were called shortly before 16:00 GMT on Sunday following reports of an attack in Bugs Bottom fields, Emmer Green.

The boy was pronounced dead at the scene and police are appealing for witnesses to come forward.

No arrests have been made, but Thames Valley Police believe the boy was attacked by two or three males.

Police said the boy's next of kin have been informed, but no formal identification has taken place.

A "considerable police presence" will be in place for several days, police said.

Samoa Police investigate complaints of alleged violation of measles State Emergency order

It is alleged that the two had attempted to undermine the Mass Vaccination Drive through Social Media posts and, by promoting alternative treatments.

Both men were questioned on Saturday and issued with strong warnings.

Police and the Office of the Attorney General will monitor the activities of these and other individuals, and will continue their inquiries.

Law enforcement re-emphasises a caution to members of the public, not to breach the State of Emergency Orders.