14 Mar 2017

Samoa's PM leads police reconciliation ceremony

2:20 pm on 14 March 2017

Samoa's Prime Minister and Minister of Police is leading today's welcoming back of the suspended Police Commissioner, Fuiavailili Egon Keil, as well as a reconciliation between the commissioner and his senior officers.

Fuiavailili Egon Keil, second from right, after he was sworn in in March 2015

Fuiavailili Egon Keil, second from right, after he was sworn in in March 2015 Photo: RNZI/Autagavaia Tipi Autagavaia

Last month the Supreme Court dismissed more than 200 charges, including charges related to possession of illegal fire arms and one of inciting murder, that had been brought against Fuiavailili.

A reliable source in the police said the prime minister was expected to address the gathering but no other details had been made available to them before today's event.

Tuila'epa Sa'ilele Malielegaoi, speaking last week on radio, compared the reconciliation between the commissioner and his senior staff to a divorced couple starting afresh.

Today's reconciliation is only being attended by senior officers, with ranks of corporal to senior sergeants and constables not participating.

Meanwhile, a suspended police inspector and a senior sergeant who were investigating officers in two separate investigations which resulted in the criminal charges being laid against Fuavailili have resigned.

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