The police have charged seven men from Faleula for arson who are alleged to have been responsible for burning down a family home in the village earlier this month. 

The fire is suspected to have started from Molotov cocktails that were thrown from behind the bushes at the mechanical workshop that stored five vehicles and other expensive tools. 

Police Commissioner, Auapaau Logoitino Filipo said the men were charged for arson and released on bail pending their court appearance on 8 July. 

He also confirmed that the Member of Parliament for Sagaga No.1, Loau Keneti Sio was not one of the men charged.

Bail conditions include signing in at the Afega Police station every Wednesday before 4 pm and not to reoffend or go near the family or complainants. 

A storage building at the residence of Pese Uele caught fire on 4 June and was believed to be the result of an earlier confrontation between the family and M.P. Loau. 

The family of Uele is convinced that the incident was not an accident pointing to empty bottles of gasoline that they suspect were used to start the fire.

The M.P. and high chief for Faleula and his wife Malama Sio have been charged with assault, making threats and being armed connected to an altercation with the Uele family. 

The conflict originated from a confrontation where Loau is accused of assaulting his relatives. 

But this was disputed by the politician who suggested the altercation was allegedly provoked by his relatives, who had approached him to discuss issues concerning lands owned by the Faleula village council. 

According to Loau, this meeting quickly escalated into a dispute, leading to charges. 

Four other members of the Uele family were charged by police following a counter complaint Loau.