Court accepts Village Council petition

By Joyetter Feagaimaali’i-Luamanu 29 January 2018, 12:00AM

The Lands and Titles Court have accepted the request by the Satapuala Village Council to expedite the hearing of their petition to remove a family from the village. 

This was confirmed by the Ministry of Justice C.E.O., Papali’i John Taimalelagi, in response to questions from the Samoa Observer. 

The family in question is alleged to have owned a marijuana farm and also the suspects charged in connection to the brutal murder of 15-year-old Uili Uili in Satapuala earlier this month. 

Papali’i said the Village Council had been informed that their request for expedited hearing has been granted and they need to pay the priority fee of $300 in order for the Court to act. 

“The next move is to seek the Court’s approval to waive the usual procedure, such as publication in the Savali newspaper as required under the law,” explained Papali’i. 

Earlier this month, Satapuala Village Mayor, Vaili Mimita, told the Samoa Observer they have filed a petition to remove the family that have already been ousted by the Village Council. 

According to Vaili, the Village Council met after the discovery of the boy’s body. 

He said they opted to give the family an ultimatum. 

“They had to pay a hefty fine or the village will demolish (mu le foaga) all their personal belongings,” Vaili said.    

“However, with God in mind, there was a change of hearts by the chiefs. 

“So we have opted to banish them instead of demolishing what this family owns such as burning their homes and damaging everything on their family land.”    

Meanwhile, one of the five suspects held over the murder of Uili has been charged with first degree murder.  

The defendant is a 39-year-old, says Police Superintendent and Media Spokesperson, Auapa’au Filipo Logoitino.  

He also confirmed that the five defendants are charged with cultivation of narcotics.  

They were officially charged and they are scheduled to appear in the Supreme Court for criminal next Monday. 

By Joyetter Feagaimaali’i-Luamanu 29 January 2018, 12:00AM
Samoa Observer

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