Judge Saaga points out Police Failure & Unchecked Power 

By Lagi Keresoma/

“This case has demonstrated that the Ministry in the hands of a few have effectively take on a life of its own, exercising unchecked power in determining which cases were pursued, which were ignored, who was listened to and who was silenced and what truths were acknowledged or conveniently ignored,” said Judge Saaga.

Apia, SAMOA – 14 April 2026: The District Court Senior Judge Talasa Atoa Saaga has identified the Ministry of Police failure and unchecked power in determining the cases that should be pursued, ignored or investigated.

Judge Saaga’s assessments are noted in her 197-page decision on the high-profile case that cleared the Prime Minister Laaulialemalietoa Leuatea Polataivao Schmidt and two others and found three other defendants guilty on some and not all the charges of conspiracy, defamation and subverting the course of justice.

She pointed out that there are a lot of valuable lessons learnt from this particular case that can assist in rebuilding the “reputation and integrity of the Ministry of Police as a formidable backbone to the justice system.

“This case has demonstrated that the Ministry in the hands of a few have effectively taken on a life of its own exercising unchecked power in determining which cases were pursued, which were ignored, who was listened to and who was silenced and what truths were acknowledged or conveniently ignored,” said Judge Saaga.

“By taking such action, the Ministry have trampled upon the integrity and reputation of the Ministry which was built upon the lives and sacrifices of former Commissioners and police officers.”

“In covering up their inaction and extending preferential treatment, they have dragged every police officer into the mire of their failures, placing a stain upon the uniform that signifies the respect and the trust that this nation has entrusted to every police officer,” she said.

Police court security when the court case was in progress in late May/June 2025.

The Commissioners failure to investigate the assassination plot a concern
Judge Saaga said the investigation into the unresolved hit and run accident that killed a young university student on 21 April 2021 was sanctioned by the Ministry of Police and supported by a cabinet Minister and an Associate Minister.

She also noted that the request by the former Associate Minister of Police Fepuleai Faimata Sua for the case file was “inappropriate.”

“However, the sanctioning of the investigation by the Ministers ought to have triggered a comprehensive investigation into the unresolved matter which was by that stage, a cold case,” she said.

She also noted that the failure of the Police Commissioner in ordering an investigation into the assassination plot against the two cabinet Ministers is concerning for a top law officer of the Ministry that has been entrusted with the protection of the nation.

She referred to a foiled assassination plot against former Prime Minister Tuilaepa Sailele Malielegaoi which involved the extradition of an alleged offender from abroad but offered only a police officer to drive the targeted ministers.

“To offer only a provision of a police officer as a driver, while disregarding the need for a proper investigation, is a response that I regard as wholly inadequate and reflective of a serious failure to address the matter,” said Judge Saaga.

MP Lealailepule Rimoni Aiafi escorted by a police officer on the way to give evidence in last years court case.

Recommendations for a fresh & independent investigation
Judge Saaga believes the only step forward for the unresolved case is an independent investigation.

The Member of Parliament for Faleata 3 Lealailepule Rimoni Aiafi accused of a plot to assassinate the two cabinet Ministers have always maintained his innocence and Judge Saaga believes that this is the only way Leala, and any other MP or individual accused can finally be cleared of any responsibility, is through an independent investigation.

A report must also be published at the completion of the investigation.

“Even if it yields no new results, the sons and daughters of this nation can rest assured that their lives are precious and that the leaders of this nation (3 Arms of Government) will leave no stone unturned in seeking justice for the atonement of their blood,” said Judge Saaga.

She quotes Ecclesiates 10:1 “Dead flies putrefy the perfume ointment and cause it to give out a foul odor.”

So does a little folly to one respected for wisdom and honour.