17 Nov 2016

Samoa Police Minister hopes to reassure officers

9:59 am on 17 November 2016

Samoa's Minister of Police, Sala Fata Pinati, says the arrest of the Police Commissioner has nothing to do with himself, or his ministerial position.

Fuiavailili Egon Keil was arrested on Monday and faces seven criminal counts including one of inciting to murder.

Yesterday, cabinet said assistant police commissioner Samoa Mulinuu Mulinuu had been suspended.

Samoa Assistant Police Commissioner Samoa Mulinuu Mulinuu

Samoa Assistant Police Commissioner Samoa Mulinuu Mulinuu Photo: Autagavaia Tipi Autagavaia

Mulinuu was suspended because government was not informed that Fuiavailili was to be arrested on Monday, according to our correspondent.

A Commission of Inquiry has been called to review the Police Department as well as Mulinuu's conduct and performance as a police officer.

Sala says the independence of the law enforced by the police must be independent.

Samoan police headquarters in Apia

Samoan police headquarters in Apia Photo: RNZI/Sally Round

Our correspondent says Sala will address the constabulary today following Fuiavailili's arrest.

He's expected to tell officers to carry on with their normal duties without fear or favour and to make sure they follow the rule of law.

Sala returned to the country on Monday night after a week long visit to China on invitation.

Get the RNZ app

for ad-free news and current affairs