Land and Titles Court President investigated

By Joyetter Feagaimaali’i-Luamanu 30 January 2018, 12:00AM

The President of the Land and Titles Court, Fepulea’i Attila Ropati, is being investigated by the Ministry of Police in connection to an alleged assault incident. 

This was confirmed by Police Superintendent and Media Spokesperson, Auapa’au Logoitino Filipo, in response to questions from the Samoa Observer. 

 “I can only confirm that there is an investigation,” he said. 

“And that is all I can say.” 

Pressed as to why the Police are tight lipped on the matter, Auapa’au did not comment.

But he asked “how the Samoa Observer found out” about the investigation. 

According to sources within the Police, the alleged incident occurred at the compound of the Judiciary during a “party” for the Judges over the festive season last year. 

 “It’s alleged that the accused struck the security officer (who works at the judiciary compound) on the head twice with a glass bottle,” the source said. 

 “The matter was not reported to the Police immediately and it wasn’t until a few days later when the security officer felt pain on his head and was taken to the hospital." 

 “At the hospital, the doctor found bits and pieces of broken glass on his head and that’s when the matter was reported to the Police.”

According to the Police Officer, the investigation had since been completed and the file is being reviewed by the Attorney General’s Office. 

Emails to Attorney General, Lemalu Hermann Retzlaff, have not been answered as of press time. 

When the Samoa Observer approached Fepulea’i for a comment at the Ministry of Justice building lobby, he declined.

“Go and talk to Papali’i, I have nothing to say,” said Fepulea’i. 

It was put to the President of the Land and Titles Court the matter involves him personally and replied “go and talk to Papali’i; I have nothing to say.”

The Papali’i in question is the Chief Executive Officer of the Ministry of Justice and Courts Administration (M.J.C.A.), Papali’i John Taimalelagi.

Contacted for a comment, Papali’i said: “I was not here and I don’t know anything.”

Samoa Observer also questioned the C.E.O. on the employment status of the security guard, Papali’i declined to comment. 

Court employees confirmed that the security guard is working.

By Joyetter Feagaimaali’i-Luamanu 30 January 2018, 12:00AM
Samoa Observer

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