Police Tribunal Hearing on Unauthorized Investigation Begins

By Lagi Keresoma/

Apia, SAMOA- 22 April 2024- The tribunal hearing for the two police officers accused of conducting an ‘unauthorized’ investigation started yesterday.

The investigation by Inspector Tupa’i Fa’ataumalama Auava and Constable Henifa Price was on the unresolved hit and run incident that killed a young university student in April 2021.

Both officers are currently suspended to await the outcome of the tribunal hearing.

Kings Counsel Morgan Philips is representing Tupa’i at the tribunal hearing.

Tupa’i is also facing separate criminal charges relating to the unresolved hit and run incident.

In a previous interview with the Police Commissioner, Auapaau Logoitino Filipo, he said the outcome of the tribunal is subject to the Commissioner’s discretion.

When asked to clarify, he said whatever the outcome of the tribunal hearing, the Commissioner has the authority to change any decision.

The tribunal is expected to take at least a week.