15 Feb 2012

High ranking Samoa chief found guilty of wilful damage

10:30 am on 15 February 2012

A high ranking Samoa chief and well known journalist Savea Sano Malifa, has been found guilty of wilful damage, but was discharged without conviction.

The charge came from a family land dispute in Afega village back in 2005 where the complainant, an elderly orator of the village, Fata Pemila, built a hut on the defendant's extended family land.

Savea admitted in court that he destroyed the small house belonging to Fata Pemila.

The court has yet to rule on a counter complaint from Savea against the elderly orator.