Inquiry launched into alleged removal of Court files

By Joyetter Feagaimaali’i-Luamanu 16 August 2018, 12:00AM

The Public Service Commission (P.S.C.) has launched an inquiry into allegations that Land and Titles Court files had been removed from the vicinity of the Court.

The P.S.C. Chairman, Aiono Mose Su’a, confirmed the setting up of the inquiry in response to questions from Samoa Observer. 

The investigation is the result of a formal complaint made by M.J.C.A. employee Tulima Pio, allegedly in relation to files that he delivered to the Minister’s office. The Minister for Justice and Courts Administration (M.J.C.A.), Fa’aolesa Katopau Ainu’u, denied the allegations back then that court files were removed within the vicinity of the Court and taken to his office. 

When asked for more details on the inquiry, Aiono said a Commission of Inquiry will be conducted at the M.J.C.A. and added that no further details will be disclosed. 

The Ministry of Justice and Courts Administration (M.J.C.A.) Chief Executive Officer, Papali’i John Taimalelagi, has welcomed the investigation in an email to the Samoa Observer. 

The P.S.C. has powers under Section 6(1)(c) and Section 6(3) of the Public Service Act 2004 to set up an inquiry according to Papali’i, and appoint a person to conduct it and report back to the Commission. 

“We welcome the Inquiry by the Public Service Commission to the Ministry of Justice and Courts Administration. I do not wish to comment on the issue until the Public Service Commission has completed its inquiry,” he said.

By Joyetter Feagaimaali’i-Luamanu 16 August 2018, 12:00AM
Samoa Observer

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