Police peruse new evidence on 2 year old Vaitele hit & run case

By Lagi Keresoma

APIA, SAMOA – 30 MAY 2023: The Police Commissioner, Auapaau Logoitino Filipo has confirmed that police are perusing new evidence on the hit and run incident that killed University student Tuuau Faasavalu at Vaitele in April 2021.

Faasavalu died a few days from his 19^th birthday and police had been appealing to the public for information to help resolve the case.

“For two years, police investigation has been fruitless,” Auapaau told Talamua.

“We now have new evidence and information that we are checking out,” said Auapaau.

Since the incident two years ago, the public has criticized police investigation and even accused the police of closing the case.

“The case and investigation was never closed and we even appealed to the public for information that may lead to resolving the case,” said Auapaau.

“Police do check every information that we receive and if we are certain there is enough evidence then we file charges, but not before,” the Commissioner explained.

He could not disclose details of the new evidence but he is aware that the public have openly accused a Member of Parliament, Lealailepule Rimoni Aiafi to be allegedly connected to the incident.

Auapaau also said that the MP has not been brought in for questioning by police on the case.

The investigation continues.