Cabinet suspends top govt. officials

19 August 2016, 12:00AM

Cabinet has confirmed the suspensions of Police Commissioner, Fuiavailili Egon Keil and the Director of the National Prosecution Office, Mauga Precious Chang.

The decision follows charges filed against the senior public officials. Whereas Commissioner Fuiavailili faces charges including unlawful detention, perjury, providing false statements and disorderly conduct, Mauga was arrested on Tuesday and charged with negligent driving causing injury and dangerous driving.

The suspensions were confirmed in a statement from Cabinet, issued by the Office of the Press Secretariat yesterday. 

The statement is published below, verbatim:

COMMISSIONER OF POLICE SUSPENDED

Cabinet has confirmed the suspension of Police Commissioner Fuiavailili Egon Keil pending the result of charges filed against him in court.  

The suspension with pay is for an initial period of three months, whilst charges filed against Fuiavailili undergo standard judicial process, and is effective immediately. 

The suspension is in line with standard procedures to ensure fair and independent review and resolution of his case. 

The duties and responsibilities of the Commissioner of Police will be rotated every month amongst Assistant Commissioners - Afamasaga Michael Soonalole, Fauono Talalelei Tapu and Samoa Mulinuu Mulinuu, beginning with Afamasaga. 

DIRECTOR OF NATIONAL PROSECUTION OFFICE SUSPENDED

Cabinet has confirmed the suspension, with immediate effect, of the Director of the National Prosecution Office (NPO) Mauga Precious Chang, following a Police investigation and review by an independent prosecutor of charges filed against her. 

Mauga's suspension is for an initial period of three months while her case undergoes standard judicial process.  

In her absence, Ms Muriel Lui will assume the responsibilities and duties of the Director of the National Prosecution Office.

The suspension of the Director of NPO is in line with standard procedures to ensure fair and independent review and resolution of her case.

19 August 2016, 12:00AM
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