Police in Samoa have launched a murder investigation after the body of an 89 year old man was discovered in the burnt out remains of his house in Savaii on Wednesday morning.
Minister of Police, Tialavea Tionisio Hunt told the Samoa a Observer police were treating the incident as a homicide.
The man’s home caught fire early Wednesday morning and according to the Minister early indications are the fire was started from a mosquito coil.
‘’It’s unlikely someone would sleep through a fire,’’ said Tialavea.
The minister took the opportunity to voice concern over the high number of deaths during the recent festive season.
‘’The number has now increased to seven in the span of two weeks,’’ he said.
The deaths include a double shooting at Afega village on New Year’s day and a stabbing at Fagaloa, the two incidents involving alcohol.
Two drownings were also reported and a fisherman in Savaii died after apparently being speared by a swordfish.
