Samoa Police investigate Samoan men involved in Vietnam Murder

By Jeannie Penehuro/

Apia, SAMOA – 26 May 2026 – The Samoa Ministry of Police, Prisons & Corrections Services (SPPCS) is actively investigating two Samoan men who are connected to the recent deadly shooting in Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam.

The suspects are Joseph Va’a and Steve Tafia, who are accused of the murder of Lorenzo Lemalu, a Samoan Australian man which took place on 21 May 2026.

The Acting Police Commissioner, Leiataua Samuelu Afamasaga, said the SPPCS investigation aims to uncover details surrounding the crime, including the use of false identities or passports with different names.

He also said that the authorities are also looking into any crimes committed by the two men inside Samoa.

Police are also checking if the suspects used fake passports or aliases to hide their true identities.

The Deputy Police Commissioner, Leauasalilo Norman Meni added that this is the first time such an incident has happened involving Samoan nationals, making it a serious matter for the country.

Suspects Admit to Crime in Television Statements.
Vietnamese media VTV9 confirmed the 2 suspects were caught trying to escape Vietnam.

Vietnamese police publicly displayed the two suspects during a televised broadcast aired by Vietnam’s state broadcaster, VTV9.

The footage showed heavy police presence as Steve Tafia and Joseph Va’a appeared in handcuffs, making statements about their involvement.

The second suspect, Steve Tafia.

Both men admitted to participating in the shooting, which resulted in the death of Lorenzo Lemalu and left another person, identified as Sam Sauni, critically injured.

Joseph Va’a confessed to using a gun during the shooting.

He said he directly shot and killed Lorenzo Lemalu. Va’a expressed remorse for his actions and noted that Vietnamese police treated him well during his detention.

Both men appeared under strict police supervision while giving their statements.

Steve Tafia also confessed and explained he was hired to find Lorenzo Lemalu and another victim, Sauni, with the intention to kill them.

He admitted he planned to escape Vietnam but was caught by Vietnamese police.

Steve warned others against coming to Vietnam to commit crimes, saying they would be arrested.

Additional Details from SPPCS
Authorities confirmed that neither Joseph Va’a nor Steve Tafia has a criminal record in Samoa.

The Acting Police Commissioner stated they have not yet visited the families of the suspects.

The investigation continues as officials work to find out more about the suspects’ motives and whether they were involved in any other crimes.

Police say this case marks a serious and unprecedented incident for Samoa, prompting a thorough investigation by local authorities.