Man accused of murdering his pregnant wife appears in court

By Lagi Keresoma

APIA, SAMOA – 13 DECEMBER 2021: The man in police custody accused of murdering his pregnant wife two weeks ago, appeared in court today under tight police protection.

Court granted the Prosecution’s application for more time so the police could finalize charges against Edward Ulberg of Vailoa, Faleata.

Police have until 7 February 2022 when the matter will be recalled. Edward could not enter a plea until the charges are finalised.

The Court heard that the accused had previous convictions and remained under police custody until the matter is re-mentioned in February 2022.

The incident
Police were called at 9.00am to a family at Vailoa, Faleata and found a young mother of five already dead with serious wounds from a sharp object.

The incident threw a stark focus on the plague of domestic violence as Samoa was in the middle of commemorating 16 days of healing and activism to end violence against women and children in their homes.

The Deputy Police Commissioner, Au’apa’au Logoitino Filipo expressed his own sadness and disappointment at the gravity of the incident while the national campaign, supported by the international agencies, the government ministries, churches and local communities, seem not to be making an impact at all.

Au’apa’au urged families and the public not to shy away from reporting any incidence of family based violence or threats of violence to the police.

Au’apa’au said about 630 cases have been reported to police so far this year and the pattern has been growing over the past few years and prompted an urgent call by the Ombudsman’s office for immediate remedial national action.

As part of the 16 days of activism last week, the statistics publicized by the Samoa Victim Support Group (SVSG) showed the growing number of cases of mothers and children being displaced at their own homes due to violence and abuse and the victims are seeking refuge at the SVSG’s House of Hope at Tuana’imato.

Phone Numbers to call for HELP:

• Samoa Victim Support Group on their 24 hour free calling number 800-7874