The matai from Lefagaoalii village, charged with attempted murder, will remain in custody until his bail application can be heard next Monday, October 2, 2023.
Samoa Observer reports the elderly matai, Aitauia Ioasa Lemau, made his initial appearance before Justice Niavā Mata Tuatagaloa yesterday, where the prosecution said they needed more time to finalize charges.
Lawyer for Aitauia, Alex Su’a pressed the court for bail for his client but was opposed by prosecutor Iliganoa Atoa, which was accepted by the court.
Aitauia is one of 12 men charged in connection with an incident where another matai of the village was hog-tied and carried out of his home for, allegedly, defying the village council.
The other five matai and six untitled men have been released on bail pending their first appearance at the Tuasivi Court House, Savaii.
Meanwhile, the victim, Sooalo Manu, has told ET LIVE online news outlet that he has forgiven his village for what they did to him.
