12 MEN DETAINED IN RELATION TO LEFAGAOALII INCIDENT

Courthouse (Photo: Eyespy Radio Samoa)

In connection with a horrible village council decision that stated a 73-year-old was to be placed onto the burning rocks of an umu (traditional oven), Samoa Police have made 12 arrests and claim more are anticipated to be charged.

Although the entire judgment was not implemented, the victim still has major wounds and is being treated at a hospital. Witnesses claim that the Lefagaoalii EFKS church pastor intervened and knelt before the matai begging them to stop.

The old man is seen in a video that is being extensively shared on social media being tied up by his wrists and legs and being pulled through the hamlet like a hunted animal. 

In response to inquiries from Eyespy Radio, Deputy Police Commissioner Papalii Monalisa Tiai-Keti stated that currently, six matai and six untitled men (taulele'a) have been detained and are still in the care of the police. 

Because he injured the elderly matai severely, one of the defendants who was detained was sent to Tanumalala Prison in Upolu.
According to Papalii, "He is accused of using a sharp object to further wound the victim.

"He was brought to the Tuasivi hospital and will soon be transferred to the Motootua National Hospital," said Papali'i.
The victim is a 73-year-old matai of Lefagaoalii.

As the investigation proceeds, further arrests are anticipated, according to Deputy Police Commissioner Papalii Monalisa.