Police go undercover

By Lanuola Tusani Tupufia 12 June 2016, 12:00AM

The Ministry of Police are going undercover in their search to find members of the youth accused of beating up people in town and taking their food.

Police media spokesperson, Maotaoali’i Kitiona confirmed they have not made any arrest yet. 

“We don’t know where they come from,” he said. 

“But we are going undercover to catch them. This is town where people from around the island come to so it’s very easy for the offenders to move in commit the crime and leave…so its difficult in that sense to catch them.”

Maota said he only has reports from two weeks ago where a group of people were allegedly attacked behind the government building. 

“There were two girls and a boy who were approached by these young people and they reported it to police,” he said. 

“Police are regularly patrolling town and we also warn members of the public to go where there is light and safe. It makes it easier for us to aid them when in need.”

Maota made it clear that gangs are not allowed in our country and such is clearly identified under the law.

Claims that a youth fellowship program held infront of the government building will be stopped in the government’s push to prevent the incidents could not be confirmed.

According to Maota, there has been no official word of the cancellation of the show but the government sees that the initiative is not what it was proposed to do. 

“The youths have made it something else,” he said. 

“Its been used by youths to meet with their friends and cause trouble. Just like the hip hop programme in the past they damaged government vehicles and properties. This is common when there are people who come in drunk and others drink there while others are just there to watch.”

Police is continuing their investigation into the youth gang. 

Last Saturday workers from a restaurant in the township of Apia were the latest victims of the series of attacks in town from the youngsters. 

The group of young people confronted the workers asking for their bottles and food. When they were told to leave by the workers the group retaliated and started throwing stones. 

Three weeks ago a young man who went to buy some food from Pinati restaurant was also attacked from behind and had his food taken. 

 

By Lanuola Tusani Tupufia 12 June 2016, 12:00AM
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