Police had to chase and arrest the four men on foot who were wanted for the alleged assault on Maluafou College head boy, Blessing Fale in Vaigaga, confirmed Acting Police Commissioner Leiataua Samuelu Afamasaga.

Blessing remains in the Intensive Care Unit (ICU) at the national hospital more than a week after the incident.

Leiataua said the suspects, all between 20 and 25 years old, were arrested at their homes in Vaigaga after police conducted follow-up investigations. Leiataua confirmed that police will file multiple charges, including serious bodily injury, causing serious bodily injury, causing injury, assault, robbery and theft.

He said that the four men “did not fully cooperate” and allegedly tried to flee during the arrest.

“The police went to their residence today and our team arrested them there,” he said. “The families and people around assisted the police, but those boys did not fully cooperate, the team had to chase them. We did our part, captured them, and made the arrests.”

The suspects are being held at police headquarters and are expected to be interviewed and formally charged.

“There are two victims involved in the incident,” Leiataua said, noting that the second victim is closely related to Blessing. He added that the registrar will be present at the police station on Wednesday at 10 am.  Leiataua also clarified that there were four suspects.

The incident, occurred on 12 October. Blessing, 17, was found critically injured and placed on life support on Monday. His father, Fale Kuresa told the Samoa Observer that Blessing was with his classmate at the time of the incident. 

Days before the incident, Maluafou College shared a message through the Samoa Victim Support Group page, promoting peace and saying no to violence as part of a mental health and drug awareness program.

Since Blessing has been in critical condition in the ICU, he has received hundreds of messages wishing him a fast recovery.