One more case of brother, sister incest emerges

By Deidre Tautua-Fanene 19 July 2017, 12:00AM

One more case of incest involving a brother and sister has surfaced in the Supreme Court.

This time, the half brother and sister accused, have pleaded not guilty to the charge.

The defendants, aged 34 and 24, appeared before Chief Justice, His Honor Patu Tiava’asu’e Falefatu Sapolu on Monday.

The prosecutor was lawyer Fuifui Ioane of the Attorney General’s Office.

The defendants were asked if they wanted a lawyer. The pair declined the offer. 

According to the Police summary of facts, the incident occurred between the 1st April and 18th June in Falefa where the defendants had a sexual connection knowing they are half brother and sister.

Chief Justice Patu has set the hearing for 27 November 2017.

The pair have been granted bail under several conditions.

 “Firstly, for the brother you must surrender all travel documents to the registrar today. You must reside at your family at Siusega unless the Court orders you otherwise."

“You must sign in at the Tuanaimato Police Office on Tuesdays and Thursdays before 12 noon and you are not allowed to contact the other defendant."

“It’s the same conditions for the sister as well except she must reside at her family at Matautu Falelatai unless the court says so.”

Last month, the Acting Assistant Commissioner, Sala’a Moananu Sala’a revealed that the brother and sister have the same father but different mothers. 

“The incident occurred during Mother’s Day this year,” said Sala’a. 

“The sister is married with children and her brother is ten years younger than her. It was her husband who reported the matter to the police.”

By Deidre Tautua-Fanene 19 July 2017, 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.

>