Ex-cop in Samoa Questions Motive of Inquiry

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A former Samoa police inspector has questioned the motives behind his being investigated by a cabinet ordered Commission of Inquiry now under way in Apia.
Former Inspector Luatimu Samau believes the allegations against him are “personally motivated”, according to the latest Samoa Observer report on the on going Commission.

He is accused of tampering with evidence in the Police case against former National Prosecution Office Director, Mauga Precious Chang.

Luatimu and another officer, Assistant Commissioner Samoa Mulinu’u, are the focus of the Inquiry.

Luatimu, who has declined to be assisted by legal counsel cross examined a witness, Senior Sergeant Va’alele Tofa who headed the Internal Affairs Unit investigation.

He read out the complaint against him by the Professional Standards Unit which implicates him in “conducting an investigation without authority of the Officer In Command (OIC)”

Tofa told Luatimu that “the charge against you is that you’re not part of Traffic, yet you’ve conducted the investigation”.

When Luatimu challenged Va’alele that anyone under investigation is also entitled to Constitutional rights, Va’alele replied that the case against him was for disciplinary which falls under administrative issues which are under the Commissioners authority.

Commission chairman, retired Justice Lesatele Rapi Va’ai, intervened when Liatimu’s questioning became personal saying the witness could not answer the line of questioning.

The Commission has been adjourned until June 23, 2017.

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