Samoa Police

Tuilaepa Sailele Malielegaoi decided not to press charges after he was assaulted at the Ministry of Justice and Courts Administration car park.

But the Samoa Observer reports the village of Lepea ordered a traditional ifoga and banned two women - who are related - and their family.

The family went to the Land and Titles Court over claims the village council illegally banished them.

The Police said it has asked the village not to take further action.

The decision was made after a woman breached security and flew to Fiji.

The incident prompted the deployment of a police unit to boost security at the airport. 

Samoa Police also confirmed they are finalising an office space at the airport for their airport team to be stationed there so they are able to offer support for international airport security.

The Force said it is also preparing for the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting in 2024 and these are necessary steps the police force has to take to prepare for the summit. 

Samoa Police said, “Part of the implementation plan is conducting training for our investigation officers, which includes enhancing and upskilling them on cybercrime.”

The Force welcomed Feterika Enoka, a Cyber Security Specialist from the New Zealand Police and the Pacific Islands Chiefs of Police Secretariat will collaboratively work with the ICT Unit in delivering the cybercrime training.

Enoka is also a part of the Australian Federal Police Cyber Safety Pasifika Programme and a specialist in Digital Forensics, ICT & Drones.

This was confirmed at their first senior management meeting yesterday.

Samoa Police said the decision is one of Commissioner Auapa’au Logoitino Filipo’s focal points for this year.

The other focus that was highlighted at the meeting was “Preparations leading up to the CHOGM 2024 conference to be held in Samoa.”

Samoa Police said “The meeting also gave time to reflect on the previous year’s work and challenges and to discuss what the organisation can improve, develop, and maintain as the year progresses.”

The man allegedly beat the twelve year old-girl to death at a home in Palisi, Apia.

He is now at Tanumalala Prison awaiting a court appearance later next month.

Meanwhile, a family dispute in Savai'i led to the death of a 29 year-old man. His brother in law has been arrested and charged with murder.

The accused has been held in custody at Tanumalala Prison and will appear in court on February 6.

In a separate incident, a man is in custody charged with murder after an off-duty female police officer was shot dead.

The crowd was under the watchful eyes of the police officers deployed for the arrival of the players.

Jerome Luai was accompanied by his partner Bailey Paris Toleafoa and son Israel.

Also arriving last night was Toa Samoa Captain Junior Paulo with his family, as well as Kelma Tuilagi and Royce Hunt.

The team of management and players with their families, will be staying at Return to Paradise Resort.

The second group of players are expected to arrive in the country at 3pm (Samoa Time) today.

This was confirmed by Police Commissioner Auapa'au Logoitino Filipo in response to questions from Radio Polynesia.

He said the victim was suspected to be intoxicated and allegedly slept on the main road.

The Commissioner also confirmed the driver turned herself in to the police after the incident.

The officers started their rehearsals yesterday.

Samoa Police said “In preparation for the Annual Christmas Programme the "13 Days to Christmas" hosted by the EFKS Vaitele- Uta Congregation. “

“Be sure to join us on Monday night, as we take the stage and perform for you, in commemoration of the birth of our Lord Jesus Christ. “

The Ministry always seek opportunities to develop and rehabilitate people while they are serving their imprisonment sentences so they can transition smoothly back into society. It is believed in our society that Arts therapy is very effective as most people are shy to share their issues with one another verbally but rather express their feelings in drawing, carving or performing arts.

Samoa Police said, “The first aid training for instructors was part of an initiative funded by the AFP led Samoa Australia Police Partnership Programme.”

“The total fund came to SAT $150,000 which also covered the provision of training for 900 SPPCS members who will receive an internationally recognized 2 year certification as well.”

“In addition the SPPCS also received first aid training equipment, instructor uniforms, and first aid manuals. In his remarks, Auapaau conveyed this thanks to the AFP for their ongoing support.”