Prosecution submits cycle of conspiracy in high profile case

Apia, Samoa – 24 November 2025: Prosecutor Taimalelagi Leinafo Strickland representing police in the high-profile case 6 defendants including Prime Minister Laaulialemalietoa Leuatea Polataivao Schmidt outlined reasons and elements behind the alleged cycle of conspiracy against the defendants.

The other defendants former MP Fepuleai Fa’amata Su’a, former Police Inspector Li’o Faataumalama Auava, Lisemarie Schmidt, Samuelu (Sam) Su’a and Sivai Kepi Le Mamea.

The prosecutor opened her submission highlighting the charges that include Fabrication of information, Misleading information, Attempt to prevent the course of justice, Conspiracy, Breach of bail, False information and Defamation.

All 6 defendants pleaded not guilty to all charges, and the Prosecutor highlighted evidence and testimonies of 70 prosecution witnesses.

The case focused on the unresolved hit and run incident at Vaitele on 21 April 2021 which still remains open.

Fabrication, false and attempt to defeat course of justice
On the fabrication, false information and attempt to prevent the course of justice, the prosecution informed the court of Sam’s five statements.

She stated Sam’s first statement made in April 2023 is very different from his interview on Tautai A’e program and his caution statement made in February 2024.

The hit and run incident happened in 2021 and Sam and his wife Sivai only appeared as witnesses in 2023, two years later.

Central to their argument is a 2-door land-cruiser Sam claimed is the car that caused the death of the victim, but later claimed it was a 4 door silver land-cruiser belonging to MP Lealailepule Rimoni Aiafi.

He also claimed that Leala had given him $9000 to silence him after he approached him with photos of the land-cruiser from the night of the incident.

Another contradicting evidence was the firearm allegedly given to him by Leala to assassinate Laauli and former Cabinet Minister Olo Fiti Vaai.

Prosecution also pointed to Sivai giving fabricated information to support Sam’s claim on the silver land-cruiser.

“We rely on evidence by Leala that the only land-cruiser he had was sold off in 2019 to Alapati Pupi,” said prosecutor.

Alapati provided evidence of the sale and also Progressive Insurance who vouched for the transaction.

The prosecutor said that Sivai’s evidence that the portion of the $9000 allegedly given by Leala was used as payment of her two gold tooths. However, prosecution said there are no records from the dental unit at Motootua of Sivai paying for gold tooths.

“She was there to pull out a tooth,” said prosecution.

Prosecution also highlighted businessman Tupuola Tanu Wright’s testimony that Fepuleai visited Tupuola at his home at Siumu asking him to support Sam with regards to the cattle issue.

Tupuola turned down Fepuleai’s request as no transaction took place between him and Sam.

Tupuola also testified that Sam told him at Tupuola’s place at Malololelei that Sivai had gone to Savaii to bring someone to support them on the case.

That someone was later identified at Marie Tusi, prosecutions key witness.

Prosecution also pointed out that a meeting between Fepuleai and Corporal Ieremia Su’a in American Samoa where Fepuleai tried to get Su’a to lie to support their case.

Prosecution read out Fepulea’i’s words to Ieremia. “You are the last one then the puzzle is complete,” but Ieremia refused to accommodate Fepuleai’s wish.

Prosecution again read out Fepuleai’s final alleged words to Ieremia before they parted,” Na ou sau mamao lava i le mea lea, a e alofa ia te a’u, aua nei iloa e se tagata le ta talanoaga lea.”

Prosecution also pointed to the inconsistency of Sam’s interview on Tautai A’e on 30 September 2023.

Sam claimed that Leala told him that the woman who was in the car on the night of the incident was businesswoman Mayday.

Prosecution said May took the stand and denied the allegation as she was in New Zealand at the time of the incident.

Key witness alleged role in giving false information
Prosecution pointed out that Marie fist claimed that she was with Sam on the night of the incident in 2021 then later changed her statement denying everything.

Marie is Sivai’s niece and she said Sivai and Sam told her what to say when questioned by police.

However, during cross examination, Marie said police put pressure on her and continue to contradict some of the evidence in her statement.

Prosecutions submission took almost whole of today and defence counsels submission will continue tomorrow.