Police detain woman for assaulting former PM Tuilaepa outside Court

By Lagi Keresoma

APIA, SAMOA – 13 JANUARY 2023: Former Prime Minister Tuilaepa Sailele Malielegaoi was allegedly assaulted by a woman after he attended the Ministry of Justice & Courts Administration annual prayer service this morning.

Deputy Police Commissioner Papalii Monalisa Keti confirmed with Talamua that an incident involving Tuilaepa happened at Court today and investigations are continuing.

A witness who was at the scene said the attacker looked like someone from overseas, “collared” Tuilaepa as he was walking towards his car then allegedly slapped him.

The young man who accompanied Tuilaepa to his car intervened before police arrived at the scene.

The traditional prayer service marks the beginning of the work of the Ministry and the courts for the year.

Papalii said the incident happened after the prayer service and the attacker was detained by police for investigation.

Police have yet to lay and charges.