Witness says police put words in the statement she signed

By Lagi Keresoma/

Apia, Samoa – 13 June 2025 – Marie Tusi – the police key witness in the high-profile case now into its third of a five-week trial, admitted in court yesterday that some of the things in her statement were put in by police and all she did was sign.

Marie was the police 8th in a list of 76 witnesses to give evidence in the high-profile case where two former MPs, a former Police Inspector, a couple, and a journalism student are standing trial for defamation, conspiracy and other charges relating to the unresolved hit and run incident that killed a university student, Tuuau Maletino at Vaitele on 21 April 2021

The statements
Marie’s first statement was made by former police officer Henifa Bryce in 2023, followed by another statement made by a former police officer Tomasi Tutoatasi. The third statement was taken by police Inspector Salale Salale in 2024.

The first two statements were made during what Police Commissioner Auapaau Logoitino Filipo called an “unauthorised investigation” by former police Inspector Li’o Faataumalama Auava who was later investigated and terminated by police after his investigation.

When Marie’s evidence was presented on Tuesday, prosecutor Taimalelagi Leinafo Strickland read out a statement signed by Marie and Henifa Bryce, however, defense counsel Kathryn Dalziel objected because the statement read out was prepared by Tomasi and not Henifa.

The statement taken by Henifa supported the defendant Samuelu (Sam) Sua’s claim that he and Marie witnessed the unresolved hit and run incident that killed Tuuau Maletino at Vaitele on 21 April 2021.

The third statement prepared by Tomasi Tutoatasi, was the one presented in court as Marie’s chief evidence which she claimed police put words in and she just signed the statement.

One of the instances Marie claimed police added in her statement was the ‘argument’ between Sam and Fepuleai Faimata Sua at Malololelei.

Marie said the ‘argument’ was over Sam’s opposition against Fepuleai taking her (Marie) away from Malololelei.

Defense counsel Richard Marchant put to Marie that the word ‘argument’ was put in the statement because police put it there and Marie said “yes”.

Marie also stated in her third statement taken by Inspector Salale Salale in 2024 that she was not at the scene of the crime in 2021 and did not see anything.

“Did the police write that and ask you to say that was what happened?” asked Marchant.

“Yes,” said Marie.

Defense counsel Kathryn Dalziel asked Marie why she said Sam had violated her and Marie said police made the statement and gave her to sign.

“Did the police tell you to say Sam did this?” asked Dalziel.

“Yes,” Marie replied.

Judge ask Prosecution to be specific
In re-cross examination, Prosecutor Taimalelagi Leinafo Strickland repeated the line of questioning by defense which defense immediately objected because the witness had already been confirmed.

Defense also argued that prosecution was putting general questions to the witness rather than being specific and this was in relation to police putting pressure on her.

Presiding Judge Talasa Atoa Saaga asked the prosecution to be specific with the questions to the witness. She also noted to all counsels to observe the witness and the struggle she was facing with questions.

Taimalelagi then asked for a 5 minute recess so she could sort out her side but Judge Saaga called a 15 minutes recess.

When the court resumed, Taimalelagi again asked for time so she could re-evaluate their position and the court was adjourned for an hour.

However, when the court resumed, Taimalelagi informed the court she had no more questions and that was the end of Marie’s testimony.

Judge Saaga then asked everyone to leave the court except Marie and her supporting aid (the faletua of a pastor) as they discussed another safe haven for the witness.

Although Maries evidence is done, the court believe her safety is still a matter of concern.

The case continues and coming to the end of the third week of a five week trial.