Police Again Corrects Samoa Observer Article

By Jeannie Penehuro/

Apia, SAMOA – 23 June 2026 – The Acting Police Commissioner, Leiataua Samuelu Afamasaga has publicly corrected a Samoa Observer article that a murder suspect wanted by police in Australia “could have been in Samoa.”

The second was published 10 June 2026 titled “Police unaware wanted Sydney murder suspect being in Samoa.”

The Acting Police Commissioner Leiataua Samuelu Afamasaga told the media yesterday that according to the Immigration records, the man in question, Anthony Pele last visited Samoa in 2023.

He also clarified that the photo that was posted on the Samoa Observer article was a photo from Anthony’s Instagram in 2024.

He also clarified that police have met with the Anthony’s father and brother who visited Samoa recently.

Leiataua said that Anthony must have been mistaken for his brother.

Leiataua explained that according to Immigration, Anthony left Samoa on 2nd February 2023.

Anthony Pele is wanted over an alleged murder, conspiracy to murder, public place shooting, drug supply, and participation in a criminal group in Sydney Australia.

Leiataua said the New South Wales Police Office are still on a hunt for this man.

“In our investigation there’s no official request or statement from the Government of Australia to Samoa Police regarding any warrant of arrest if Anthony is in Samoa,” Leiataua clarified.

This is not the first time the Ministry of Police had to correct articles published by the Samoa Observer newspaper and police had been named as sources when the police officers named including Leiataua, did not speak to the newspaper.