Family of dead victims accept traditional apology

By Talaia Mika

APIA, SAMOA – 27 JUNE 2022: The family of the 60 year old father and his 18 year old son who were shot dead last Thursday at Fogapoa village, accepted a traditional apology – Ifoga presented by the family of the accused last Saturday morning.

The Ifoga was conducted early morning and four women from the victims’ family removed the fine mats that covered two men seated infront of the victims’ family home.

As they removed the fine mats indicating their acceptance of the apology, one woman is heard crying “May God forgive you all”.

After removing the fine mats, members of the two families hugged each other and made peace, then the ceremony proceeded with speeches and presentations of food, fine mats and money by the offenders family.

According to village members, the two families have had a longstanding dispute over their lands which resulted in the shooting on Thursday morning.

The shooter later turned himself in to police and he remains in police custody.