Charged MP and wife claim they were assaulted

Staff Reporters/

Apia, SAMOA – 10 June 2024 – The Sagaga 1 Member of Parliament and his wife, have claimed that they were assaulted at their home at Faleula last Tuesday night by members of Loau’s family.

Loau Keneti Sio and wife Malama have been charged with assault and issuing intimidating and threatening words. The charges relate to an incident that led to the alleged burning down of a family business and properties at Faleula on Wednesday night.

The Commissioner of Police, Auapaau Logoitino Filipo said the owner of the business lodged a complaint against the MP and others and the complaint also include allegations of being armed with a weapon and use of foul language allegedly by the MP.

Speaking on a livestreamed press conference in the weekend, Loau said the incident is rooted in a long standing land dispute which he is very much aware as the complainants are related to him through his mothers’ side.

His wife also explained what happened and she appeared on camera with injuries to her face from the altercation four days earlier.

Loau said that they are considering filing their own complaint alleging that they were assaulted at their home.

The MP also said that he requested the village council on Wednesday morning not to react after they learnt about what happened on Tuesday night.

Police investigation continues.

Sagaga 1 MP, Loau Keneti Sio and wife Malama giving their side of the story on a livestreamed press conference last Saturday.