Samoa's Minister of Police, Tole'afoa Apulu Fa'afisi, has been criticised for allowing two prisoners to work as mechanics for his heavy machines and public buses business.
Tole'afoa has admitted the inmates are working for him and have been staying with his family.
He says they receive some money but insists it is not a wage.
The Minister told the Samoa Observer newspaper that the practice was in accordance with a long-standing police policy , with the police commissioner assessing prisoners who are remorseful and have undergone a noticeable change for the better.
Tole'afoa says those who criticise are people without love and he points out that prisoners should be given a chance to improve their lives.
