Samoa Police Correct False and Misleading Reports affecting PM’s Sons on Samoa Observer

2026-02-21 - 04:26

POLICE OFFICIAL STATEMENT: The Samoa Police, Prisons and Corrections Services (SPPCS) have responded to an article published by Samoa Observer on Friday, 20 February 2026 titled, Cop transferred after warning PM’s sons for reckless driving. “SPPCS unequivocally rejects the central allegation of the article and states firmly that no such incident has occurred.” The Samoa Observer article published 8.30pm Saturday 20 Feb 2026. In the article, which remains up on the Samoa Observer website and social media pages as of this publication, claims the head of the Samoa Police Traffic Division, Superintendent Tupa’i Sapani Leleimalefaga, had been transferred to the Faleata Police Station.. “..by his line minister, for issuing a warning to his sons for reckless driving of a police vehicle.” In its Press Release issued Saturday afternoon, the Samoa Police clarify that èthe recent transfer of Unit Leaders resulted from an internal organisational review led by the Acting Commissioner and Executive Management. Police say a reshuffle to meet service delivery priorities and the overall organisational needs of the SPCS, resulted in the transfer mentioned by the daily news. Police have confirmed, “There has been no instance in which the Prime Minister’s sons were warned for reckless driving of Police vehicles.. And further, “Police vehicles assigned to the Prime Minister’s Security Team are used strictly for official security duties and are operated only by trained and authorized Police officers.” “The allegation is entirely unfounded and unsupported by any official report, complaint or internal record,” stated the Police. The Police clarification confirms a statement issued last night by the Prime Minister’s daughter, calling out the article for being false and misleading, reiterating that no such event had ever taken place involving her younger brothers. “FYI our father’s golden rule, we do not touch or drive any government vehicles let alone a Police vehicle.. “Therefore the news is false.” “Please Samoa do not believe everything you read on the news, especially one that has a grudge against the Government.” SPPCS say they strongly denounce misleading reporting and the publication of unverified claims without confirmation from the Service. Acting Police Commissioner, Leiataua Samuelu Afamasaga. Photo: Perolini Nuumia, Gvt Press. “This undermines public trust and disrupts the peace and harmony of the community.” “The Samoa Police, Prisons and Corrections Services remains committed to professionalism, adherence to established policies and procedures; and ensuring that administrative decisions are made independently in the best interests of effective policing and public safety.”