Police investigate mother and daughter over baby’s death

By Deidre Fanene 21 January 2017, 12:00AM

The Police are investigating the death of a baby who was buried by a family without informing the relevant authorities.

This was confirmed by Police Spokesperson, Su’a Muliaga Tiumalu, yesterday.

The Weekend Observer understands that a 20-year-old woman gave birth to the baby at her home in a village in Tuamasaga on Thursday.

The woman's mother - who helped deliver the baby - is alleged to have then instructed another family member to dig a hole for burial.

Su’a said criminal charges are likely to be laid but they want to complete their investigation first. He would not say if the baby was alive at birth.

“On Thursday a baby was born on the night and the family buried the baby without informing the police,” he said.

 “We believe there is a criminal element in this matter. 

“If the investigation confirms that a criminal act was involved then a post mortem will be conducted.

“And if the post mortem needs to be conducted then that means the baby’s body will have to be dug up again for a specialist to conduct their investigation.”

Su’a said a family member reported the matter to the Police.

“We already have witnesses who saw the person bury the baby upon instructions from the grandmother of the dead baby.”

A source told the Weekend Observer it is likely the family did not expect a baby.

By Deidre Fanene 21 January 2017, 12:00AM

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