C.C.C.S. church ministers pleaded not guilty

By Lanuola Tusani Tupufia - Ah Tong 11 April 2019, 12:00AM

The 20 church ministers from the Congregational Christian Church of Samoa (C.C.C.S.) have pleaded not guilty to tax-related charges against them before the District Court Thursday. 

Each church minister faces two charges of failure to withhold tax and two counts of failure to file tax returns. 

The church ministers entered their not guilty plea to all charges through their lawyer Alex Su’a. 

District Court Judge, Leota Raymond Schuster presided the matter. 

The Ministry of Revenue was represented by lawyer Avila Ah Leong and Alesana Tumua.

In entering the plea of the church ministers, Mr. Su’a filed an application to withdraw the motion to quash and charges and stay of proceeding. 

The lawyer also told the Court two separate applications were filed prior proceeding for two church ministers to leave jurisdiction. 

They are C.C.C.S. Chairman Rev. Elder Tuatiaga Senara, who will be attending as the Chairman of the church in a church-related matter in Wellington, New Zealand and Rev. Siaosi Salesulu. 


Mrs. Ah Leong did not object to the applications. 

Judge Leota granted the applications including the withdrawing of motion to quash and stay of proceedings. 

In granting the two church ministers to leave jurisdiction the Judge reminded they have to be in the country before the hearing. 

He then adjourned the matter for hearing on 1 July 2019. 

Since the matter against the church ministers started, supporters of the church and families pack the Court house during all proceedings. 

The accused are Tautiaga Senara, Tunumoso Iosia, Faasalafa Vitaoa, Faaiuga Matautia, Faraimo Ti’iti’I, Fili Matalavea, Fuaao Fuimaono, Iese Uele, Ioane Petaia, Lavilavi Soloi, Amosa Reupena, Elefatu Lesa, Poasa Toiaivao, Petaia Leavai, Pita Toleafoa, Siaosi Salesulu, Seilala Luamanuvae, Semikueva Faatoafa, Taise Ioapo and Tavita Anesone. 

By Lanuola Tusani Tupufia - Ah Tong 11 April 2019, 12:00AM

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