Students arrested, charged

By Pai Mulitalo Ale 07 May 2016, 12:00AM

A threat to beat and stab Maluafou College students – including females – to death has landed four Avele College students in Police custody.

The threat made on social media contributed to the government’s decision to close the school temporarily while the Police investigate.

Yesterday, the Police’s media officer, Su’a Muliaga Tiumalu, confirmed that they have found the students responsible for the threat.

 “Four Avele students have been charged for using electronic devices to post threats to attack other schools and students on the internet,” Su’a said.

He added that the threat on Monday resulted in the Police acting immediately to secure the Maluafou compound. 

By the next day, the school was shut with Police in full riot gear patrolling the area.

The threat followed a brawl between the two schools at Maluafou last Friday.

On the post, it instructs Avele students to take the Magiagi bus and get off just on the riverside, opposite Leifiifi College. The students are then told to proceed to Maluafou to start the attack.

“Beat all the boys and girls of the school, no one is to be spared including the teachers,” the post reads.

The note instructed year 9 students to bring small knives, year 12 students to bring bottles and year 13 students are asked to bring petrol.

“Make sure you beat up the girls of Maluafou as if you are beating up a boy… and stab them with the knives.”

Su’a said the students were tracked down and arrested immediately.

 “They were arrested on Monday 2nd May 2016, and are remaining under police custody.”

The students, aged 17 and 19, are scheduled to appear in Court on 17 May 2016.

More charges are possible.

Su’a also confirmed that students from Avele College were not the only ones arrested. A student from Maluafou was also charged for being armed with a dangerous weapon. He too is in Police custody.

Su’a said the Police found a kitchen knife in his school bag.

Earlier this week, Cabinet announced its decision to close Avele College as a result of the threat. 

Prime Minister Tuilaepa Sa’ilele Malielegaoi has also indicated that the school might be re-opened, encouraging the innocent students who were not involved to find another school.

By Pai Mulitalo Ale 07 May 2016, 12:00AM
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