Acting Commissioner unaware of petition

By Lanuola Tupufia – Ah Tong 02 November 2016, 12:00AM

The Acting Police Commissioner, Samoa Mulinuu Mulinuu is unaware of a petition of no confidence against suspended Police Commissioner, Fuiavailiili Egon Keil that has been reportedly handed to the Police Minister.

The petition is alleged to have been signed by senior police holding the rank of commission officers raising concerns about the handling of several matters involving officers within the Ministry of Police by the Police Commissioner. 

Contacted for a comment yesterday, Samoa denied any knowledge of it. 

“I cannot confirm that,” he said. “I’m not aware of it.”

The petition has reportedly been presented to the Minister of Police, Sala Fata Pinati last week. 

The Police Commissioner is facing four criminal charges, including unlawful detaining a person, disorderly conduct in a public place, perjury, and making a false statement in relation to the wrongful arrest of a member of the public last year.

Attempt to get a comment from the Minister of Police was unsuccessful. 

His secretary said the Minister had a busy schedule and will call back when he is available. 

The office did not return a call by press time. 

On another matter, the Acting Police Commissioner also dismissed claims that another Assistant Police Commissioner has been suspended. 

“Those reports are not true,” Samoa reiterated. “Only Cabinet can approve a suspension but we haven’t received a direct order from Cabinet.”

Asked if it’s true that the Assistant Commissioner in question was under investigation in relation to an alleged incident involving another female cop, Samoa declined to comment.

“I cannot answer that,” he said. “I can only say that he is not suspended.”

When the Assistant Commissioner in question was asked for a comment, he denied the allegation. 

“No one has asked me about anything,” he said. 

By Lanuola Tupufia – Ah Tong 02 November 2016, 12:00AM
Samoa Observer

Upgrade to Premium

Subscribe to
Samoa Observer Online

Enjoy unlimited access to all our articles on any device + free trial to e-Edition. You can cancel anytime.

>