Man charged for arson suspected to have slipped out of the country

By Lagi Keresoma/

Apia, Samoa – 05 August 2024 – PJ Pi’i Lepale, one of the 9 men accused of burning down a family business and home at Faleula a few months ago is suspected to have slipped out of the country.

In Court, Prosecution informed Justice Fepuleai Ameperosa Roma of the situation and asked for a warrant of arrest against PJ.

However, when asked if the defendant was summoned, Prosecution said “no”.

Justice Roma has given Prosecution time to finalise their charges before issuing a warrant of arrest.

The defendants are Henry Fretton, Tuaolo Palagi, Mauiseaso Teofili, Blessed Fretton, Viliamu Fretton, Vaiao Levasa Teofili Fetaiai Pi’i, Vaialia Paneta and PJ Pi’i Lepale.

The defendants are accused in relation to the burning of a family business and home the day after an alleged altercation with Sagaga 1 Member of Parliament Loau Keneti Sio and his wife.

The accused have all pleaded not guilty to 10 charges against them.

Members of the family whose property was destroyed by fire are also facing charges filed by Loau and family and the accused have also pleaded not guilty to the charges.

The case against the 9 accused of arson will be called in the Supreme Court.