Tribunal yet to hear charges against suspended Police Inspector

By Lagi Keresoma/

Apia, Samoa – 20 December 2023: Police Commissioner Auapaau Logoitino Filipo has confirmed that the Police Tribunal has yet to hear the evidence against the two suspended police officers, Inspector Li’o Faataumalama Auava and Henifa Bryce.

The officers were charged and suspended last month on four counts of conducting an unauthorized investigation into the unresolved hit and run case that claimed the life of a young university student in 2021.

Both officers have pleaded not guilty to the charges and Inspector Li’o Faataumalama Auava’s lawyer has written to the Commissioner for the matter to be heard by the Tribunal.

Auapaau said under the amended Police Service Act, the Commissioner has the authority to suspend anyone based on the evidence gathered against a person and it was on those grounds that he issued a notice of termination against the two officers early this month.

They were also given 10 days to respond.

Auapaau confirmed receiving a letter from Li’o’s lawyer and said the matter will not be heard this year.

The Commissioner also said that under the Police Service Act 2009, he can either accept or reject the Tribunal’s decision.

“They can take it up to the Police Tribunal Appeal where a Judge of the Court assists the panel of police officers in the appeal hearing,” said Auapaau.

He confirms that the two officers are still under suspension.

Going into three years, police have not charged anyone in connection with the 2021 hit and run incident saying there is not enough evidence. There have also been purported evidence that had been publicly discussed on social media alleging a cover up, the involvement of drugs and an alleged assignation plot against two Cabinet Ministers.