Young Tongan woman allegedly died from self-inflicted wounds

By Lagi Keresoma

APIA, SAMOA – 22 AUGUST 2023: The body of a young Tongan woman who allegedly died from self-inflicted wounds now awaits a post mortem to determine the cause of death.

Police Commissioner Auapaau Logoitino Filipo said it is not certain if her death was domestic violence related but the police investigation continues.

He did confirm that the woman used to work as a seasonal worker overseas where she met a Samoan man who was also under the scheme.

He said it is not certain if the man and woman were in a relationship, but after their terms overseas, both returned to their countries, however, the woman somehow followed the man to Samoa.

In a separate incident, an elderly Australian woman who was holidaying in Samoa is confirmed to have died of drowning at the Saleapaga Beach at Aleipata.

Auapaau said the Coroner has not issued a post mortem order as she is satisfied that the cause of death was drowning.