Savai’inaea remains in Police custody, mention date set for next Monday

By Joyetter Feagaimaali’i-Luamanu 17 December 2018, 12:00AM

One of two men facing a charge of manslaughter over the death of Jeremiah Malaki Tauili’ili will remain in Police custody until next Monday.

Suapaina Savai’inaea appeared before Chief Justice, his Honour Patu Tiava'asu'e Falefatu Sapolu yesterday where the decision was made.

Savai’inaea is jointly charged with Herman Westerlund, who was granted bail last week.

When the men appeared in Court for mention, Chief Justice Patu adjourned the matter noting that Savai’inaea was seeking a lawyer.

He also asked the prosecutor, Leone Mailo-Su’a, of the Attorney General’s Office, if she objected to Savai’inaea being granted bail.

She said “no”. 

His Honour Patu then granted Savai’inaea bail with strict conditions. 

These include that he must surrender his travel documents, sign in at the Police station twice a week, be subjected to a curfew and that he is not allowed on the premises where the incident happened.

At that point, however, Sulamanaia Tauili’ili, the father of the deceased objected.

 “I am the father of the deceased and I am worried for the safety of Suapaina if he’s released from jail,” he said. 

“I strongly oppose his release as I am concerned for his safety.”

Sulamanaia is the Member of Parliament for Vaimauga Sasae.

Chief Justice Patu accepted the objection.

He then rescinded his decision for Savai’inaea’s bail.

He said the Court has to consider the objection “because if anything happens (to Savai’inaea) the Court will be at fault.”

Savai’inaea was remanded back into the Police custody until he and Westerlund return to Court next Monday for mention.

 

By Joyetter Feagaimaali’i-Luamanu 17 December 2018, 12:00AM

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