Criminal proceedings against the police, Tuala Mareko, Lemalu Paulo, and 10 other residents of Leauvaa have been stayed by the District Court, following a recent ruling from the Court of Appeal.

This is with the long-standing land dispute between the villages of Afega and Leauvaa.

The contempt of court charges were connected to the disputed land, but both the prosecution and defence agreed to put the criminal case on hold until the related appeal in the Lands and Titles Court is resolved.

On 23 June 2025, the Court of Appeal confirmed that orders issued by the Supreme Court on 11 October 2024—specifically a stay and injunction—remain in force. These orders prevent any further activity or interference with the contested land while the appeal is ongoing.

Inspector Leu Poe Ualesi appeared for the prosecution, while defence counsel Ms. Stowers represented the Leauvaa defendants. Both parties consented to staying the criminal proceedings in light of the higher court's ruling.

The land dispute between Afega and Leauvaa has been a subject of significant legal and public interest, involving questions of customary ownership and village boundaries.

The District Court has confirmed that the contempt case will remain on hold until the Lands and Titles Court delivers its decision on the appeal.