Samoa’s Caretaker Prime Minister Fiame Naomi Mataʻafa has filed a formal police complaint against Faʻatuatua i le Atua Samoa ua Tasi (FAST) Party Chairman Laauli Leuatea Schmidt, following public allegations linking her to the murder of Professor Caroline Gabbard and the hit and run death of student Tuuau Maletino.
Samoa Observer reports Fiame confirmed she has engaged legal counsel and is pursuing legal action after Laauli made the claims during a FAST political roadshow in Savai’i last week.
The comments referenced previously discredited allegations made by Lise Marie Schmidt, who is currently facing court charges for fabricating evidence and misleading police in the Gabbard case.
“These accusations have existed online for some time,” said Fiame. “But when such serious claims are made publicly by a political leader, I believe it’s necessary to protect the integrity of the Office of the Prime Minister.”
Laauli told the crowd in Savai’i that Fiame should not “cover her sin” about Professor Gabbard’s death and referenced Lise Schmidt’s claim that Fiame instructed her to remove items from the scene.
He also questioned the handling of the Tuuau Maletino case, suggesting a pattern of concealment, claims that Fiame has strongly rejected.
“At first, I chose not to respond to what was being said on social media. But once those allegations were voiced publicly by a party leader, I had to act.”
Police Commissioner Auapaʻau Logoitino Filipo confirmed that a complaint has been lodged and investigations are ongoing.
