25 Jul 2017

Two top Samoa police officers censured in inquiry

3:13 pm on 25 July 2017

A Commission of Inquiry in Samoa has recommended that the services of two senior police officers be terminated.

Samoa police

Samoa police Photo: RNZI / Autagavaia Tipi Autagavaia

The police force has been beset with instability and management problems, which culminated in last year's suspension of the police commissioner on more than 200 charges.

Now the Commission, which was chaired by retired Supreme Court Judge Lesatele Rapi Vaai, recommended for the Assistant Police Commissioner Samoa Mulinu'u's services to be terminated.

The Commission also found Inspector Luatimu Samau guilty of misconduct and even though he resigned, the Commission found sufficient evidence for Inspector Samau's services to be terminated.

The two had been accused of witness tampering in the case against the former head of the National Prosecussions Office.

The Attorney General Lemalu Herman Retzlaff commended the officers who took part in the investigations and gave evidence.

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