Suspended Police Officers are Constables: E le’i leva tele ona galulue i le Matagaluega

2026-03-03 - 02:28

In the latest update of more police officers being suspended from the Ministry of Police and Prisons, the Acting Police Commissioner Leiataua Samuelu Afamasaga has confirmed the two additional suspensions are Police Constables. Leiataua said the two Constables have been placed on suspension pending internal investigations into possible links to suspected drug dealers. “They are being investigated because their phone numbers were found in some of the suspects’ phone contacts,” said the Acting Commissioner. “O loo fa’aauau lava suesuega ae e to’alua lava leoleo lea ua suspend, e le’i leva tele ona galulue i le matagaluega,” he said. In the Samoa Police Service, Constables are the foundational operational rank, often assigned to be responsible for maintaining law, order, and safety. After a 15–20 week Basic Recruit Course at the Tafaigata Police Academy, new officers serve as probationary Constables for two years before the permanent Constable status. Last week Prime Minister and Minister of Police, Hon Laaulialemalietoa Leuatea Polataivao Fosi Schmidt told local media that police officers’ phone numbers were listed as contacts in some of the suspects’ confiscated mobile phones. “That means they are in contact with these people..” “O la e fetalanoaa’i ma tagata ia..” The Acting Police Commissioner was also asked to provide an update of investigations into suspended Police Inspector, Nanai Vani Vai and Luani To’alepai who allegedly leaked a warrant of arrest to one of the suspects. Leiataua said the matter is still being investigated and the public would be informed once it is completed. Don’t Miss Out on These Specials!