6 Sep 2012

Stone throwers in Samoa could face more serious charges

10:05 am on 6 September 2012

The police in Samoa say 25 people charged with throwing stones could face more serious charges once they appear in court next week.

The group from the village of Vaiusu was arrested and charged after a brawl involving several young people of Vaigaga and Vaiusu villages over the weekend.

The brawl started after a group from Vaigaga allegedly assaulted a Vaiusu youth last Wednesday.

Our correspondent, Autagavaia Tipi Autagaia, says a group from Vaiusu then retaliated on Friday night.

"Four houses belonging to families of Vaigaga village and also Elise Fou village, which is a small village, were stoned and all those houses had broken windows, one car was smashed, and one eye witness said that some of the families pigs, dogs and cats were also attacked by the youth at night."

Autagavaia Tipi Autagavaia says police did not arrest anyone over the weekend as tensions were still high between the two groups.

He says the police met with matais of both villages on Monday seeking help in apprehending the suspects.

Meanwhile, the group made a brief appearance in court yesterday to hear their bail conditions.

One matai facing charges, who is over 70 years-old, was released on bail due to his age.

But the rest of the group were denied bail.

The case is adjourned to the 12th of September for re-mention.