12 Aug 2010

Authorities and parents in Samoa worried about student violence

1:54 pm on 12 August 2010

Parents and businesses in Samoa are becoming increasingly concerned about violence following inter-school sporting events.

Last Friday, two 19-year-old students were charged with disorderly conduct after becoming drunk and starting a brawl in the Savalalo market, following an inter-school athletics meet in Apia.

Samoa's Prime Minister, Tuilaepa Sa'ilele Malielegaoi, has called on school principals to expel students who become involved in such violence.

Our correspondent, Alan Ah Mu, says the problem is worrying for a number of people in the community.

"Normally some bystander or a shopkeeper is getting their property damaged because of an eruption of violence. So there is concern, certainly among the business community in town, and you know I've talked to parents and they share the same concern that when these things are on, you pray that you see your child come home unharmed."

Our Samoa correspondent, Alan Ah Mu.