22 witnesses in the double murder trial of Pokati Tu’u

By Lagi Keresoma/

Apia, SAMOA – 30 April 2026: The trial of Muaau Pokati Tu’u charged with double murder started yesterday with police calling 22 witnesses.

The charges stem from an incident on 21 July 2024 where the accused shot and killed Lafele T. at Nofoalii.

The following day, 22 July 2024, the accused again shot and killed Police Detective Sergeant Mamea Peniamina Pereti.

Mamea and his police team responded to the incident that happened on Sunday and attempted to arrest Pokati on Monday, however, when they arrived at Pokatis’ place at Fasitoo-uta, Pokati opened fire and allgedey killed Mamea.

Pokati pleaded not guilty and has been under police custody since July 2024 and yesterday. The trial is heard by a panel of Assessors with Supreme Court Justice Leutele Mata Tuatagaloa presiding.

Take the boy and run to the back
The wife of the late Lafaele, Epifania Ualesi described watching her husband fall slowly after being shot by Pokati on the second day of the murder trial against Pokati. (Epifania is Pokatis ex-wife)

In her evidence, she said her son was sick and she was already inside the mosquito net with him while Lafaele was playing pool at the house in the front.

Lafaele returned to the house late and as he entered the net, she heard a gunshot.

“I saw my husband fall but still managed to call out to me to take the boy and go to the back of the house,” she said.

However, before she could move, Pokati entered the house and said “do you want to be shot.”

At the same time, she heard people running from all sides towards where the sound of the gunshot came from and Pokati left.

She then said Pokati returned and she saw him holding a pocket knife.

The injuries
Presiding Justice Leutele Mata Tuatagaloa asked Epi to describe the injuries if she noted any when she helped lift her husband onto a truck.

“There was a wound on his chest, his stomach and thigh,” she said.

Defendant unaware his wife took another husband
During cross examination, counsel for the defendant, Maposua Tanya Toailoa informed Epi that Poaki was not aware that she had taken another husband.

He found out on Sunday 21 July 2024 about it and reacted.

On the evening of the same day, Poakti approached the witness’ house where he allegedly shot Lafaele.

Epi admitted that she did not tell Pokati that she was with another man but did confirm that she had told him that she was not returning to him because of issues that happened during their marriage.

She also admitted that Lafaeles’ family were unaware that she was already married and she only told Lafaele.

Defence counsel drilled her on her evidence about Pokati returning to the scene of the crime with a pocket-knife and especially identifying Pokati when she admitted that it was dark.

“I know Pokatis’ voice and he also hit me with the gun,” said Epi.

The trial is schedule for 2 weeks on the charges of murder, manslaughter, causing serious bodily harm, armed with a dangerous weapon, possession of ammunition and an unlicensed firearm.