Chinese National Found Dead in his Room on Business Premises

2026-01-28 - 18:24

There are no suspicious circumstances surrounding the death of a Chinese male reported to have died in his room above a Chinese-owned mechanic-tyre business in Vaitele. The death of the 46-year-old was reported to Police on Friday 23rd January 2026. Acting Commissioner Leiataua Samuelu Afamasaga said there are CCTV cameras on the premises and preliminary investigations do not point to any suspicious circumstances. “He works for a Chinese mechanic – tyre shop at Vaitele, and he lived in a room upstairs the premises,” said Leiataua. “Police investigations continue but so far there is no evidence of foul play.” The Acting Commissioner says the body is being held at the morgue and Police will await the Coroner’s decision for an autopsy. In another incident this month, a 43 year old fisherman from Tiavea and Samusu remains lost at sea. Police and FESA search and rescue efforts have so far been unsuccessful in locating the man. Acting Commissioner Leiataua says four men went fishing on Friday night 23 January 2026. It was not good weather and the men struggled to get back to shore in the heavy rain and rough seas. “Three men made it back safely but unfortunately, this tamaalii, the 43 year old father, did not.” Leiataua said rescue efforts had continued through the weekend. Leuatea said the search and rescue included divers, who have been a part of the rescue search through the last four days. The Acting Commissioner also confirmed the death of Pacific poet and author Papalii Sia Figiel. “I teceived a call from on duty prison guards at around 7am Monday morning regarding the incident,” said Leiataua. The Acting Commissioner said he did not want to elaborate as an investigation was underway. He said when prison guards entered Papalii’s cell, they saw she needed help and rushed her to Faleolo District Hospital where she was pronounced dead on arrival.