Afega Double Murder Accused Pleads Guilty to Manslaughter

By Lagi Keresoma

APIA, SAMOA 20 SEPTEMBER 2022: A 60 year old man of Afega, Vaotu’ua Fa’alavaau Tai’i Pologa facing two counts of murder, has pleaded guilty to manslaughter instead.

Vaotu’ua originally pleaded not guilty to murder and in possession of a dangerous weapon and his assessor trial was scheduled for yesterday.

However, prosecution withdrew the murder and possession of a dangerous weapon charges and asked the Court to reduce the charge to manslaughter.

On New Year’s Eve 2020, the accused shot and killed two men at their homes in Afega village.

A few days after the incident, the accused’s family from Falelatai performed traditional apologies – Ifoga to the families of the deceased.

He will be sentenced in November and his bail conditions remain.