18 Aug 2016

Samoa Police and Prosecution heads suspended

2:57 pm on 18 August 2016

Samoa's Cabinet has suspended the Police Commissioner Fuiavailili Egon Keil and the Director of the Public Prosecution office Mauga Precious Chang to await the outcome of two separate court cases involving them.

Mr Keil is facing one charge each of perjury, unlawful detention, providing false statements, and disorderly conduct.

This followed an inquiry over a complaint about an unlawful arrest during a police drug raid at the Fugalei market last year.

He will appear for mention in the Supreme Court in two weeks.

Police Commissioner Fuiavailili Egon Keil (left) and Director of Public Prosecution Mauga Precious Chang (right) with a police officer.

Police Commissioner Fuiavailili Egon Keil (left) and Director of Public Prosecution Mauga Precious Chang (right) Photo: Tipi Autagavaia

Meanwhile the Director of Public Prosecution Mauga Precious Chang is facing two traffic charges to be called for mention on the 13th of next month.

She has been charged with negligent driving causing injury and dangerous driving.

A government statement says the suspension is for an initial period of three months.

It says it is in line with the standard procedures to ensure fair and independent review and resolution of the two cases.