Eleven former Sportslotto employees are facing a joint charge of theft as a servant. Nine of the defendants appeared before the Chief Justice, His Honour Satiu Simativa Perese on Monday.

They were: Silika Hala, Telesia Lina Bourne, Ulalia Salufau, Lui Feseetai, Leilua Tonuu, Pio Paepae, Masela Moananu Masoe, Talosaga Wales Amosa and Tamara Asofolau Brown.

Two of the nine’s co-defendants, Lilian Faasoo and Tavale Touli, did not appear when their names were called.

Defense lawyer, Fuimaono Sarona Ponifasio, is representing Hala, the only defendant who has engaged a lawyer.

She advised the Court that her client has yet to be served with the charges.

In response, Prosecutor Magele Leone Sua-Mailo said they are yet to finalise charges with the Police.

The defendants will be jointly charged with theft as a servant for allegedly stealing from Sportslotto where they had worked. 

The prosecution did not oppose bail for the defendants to which the Chief Justice granted bail.

The defendant’s bail conditions are that they must surrender their passports and travel documents; sign in with Police twice a week [every Monday and Friday]; and must not reoffend while out on bail.

Chief Justice Satiu adjourned the matter to two weeks to allow police to finalise charges against the defendants, and advised the defendants who made their Court appearance unrepresented to find lawyers.

The former Sportslotto employees will appear to be formally charged on Tuesday 11 August 2020 at 10am.

All defendants must sign in at the Apia Police Station while Paepae must sign in at the police station at Lalomanu.

The nine defendants were remanded on bail after their court appearance on Monday.