The Supreme Court has granted bail to a man accused of attempted murder for attacking other men with a machete at the Apia Fish Market in Savalalo.

The defendant has been banned from going to the Apia Fish Market, the Fugalei Market and bus stations.

The defendant, Tagaloa Maugaloto Palu, 38, a citizen of New Zealand, appeared for the bail decision before Supreme Court Justice Leiataualesa Daryl M. Clarke on Friday afternoon.

Tagaloa is facing three counts: one of attempted murder and two counts of assault causing grievous bodily harm.

It is alleged he attacked three men at the Apia Fish Market with a machete. A part of the incident was captured on video and shared on social media.

The prosecutor on the case is Ms Fuifui Ioane of the Attorney General’s Office. 

She opposed the bail application and argued several points: that Tagaloa poses a risk to the safety of the public, is a flight risk, is likely to reoffend and the seriousness of the charges.

But Justice Leiataualesa granted bail. 

A long list of bail conditions are contained in Justice Leiataualesa’s ruling.

Tagaloa said he planned to reside in Vaitele but the complainant also resides in Vaitele. The Court would not allow it.

The defendant said he will stay in Faalevao with his uncle.

Justice Leiataualesa granted his bail and said Tagaloa is to re-appear on 3 August at 10am to set a hearing date.

His bail conditions include that Tagaloa must surrender all his travel documents; reside at Faalevao with his uncle; report to the Apia Police Station every Tuesday and Friday before 12 p.m.; be prohibited from stepping foot in Vaitele; and not make contact with the complainant or any prosecution witness directly or indirectly with the case. 

“You are prohibited from entering or being within 500 metres of the Savalalo Fish Market and bus station; the Fugalei Market and bus station,” said Justice Leiataualesa.

“You are prohibited from consuming alcohol...and you are to be at home in Faalevao on curfew from the hours of 8 p.m. to 6 a.m. daily.”

Tagaloa has pleaded not guilty to the charge of attempted murder.

Justice Leiataualesa has prohibited the media from publishing the reasons for his granting the defendant bail until the matter has been concluded.