Acting Police Commissioner Leiataua Samuelu Afamasaga reaffirmed that Samoan citizens living anywhere in the world can lodge complaints with the Samoa Police, Prisons and Corrections Services (SPPCS). 

His comments follow public discussion surrounding the handling of online defamation and harassment cases involving individuals based overseas.

Leiataua clarified that as long as the person complaining is a citizen of Samoa, their report will be accepted and investigated under Samoan law if the alleged offence occurred in Samoa or affected someone in the country.

“The key point remains,  if the offence happened in Samoa, then Samoan legislation applies,” Leiataua said. “It doesn’t matter if the person making the complaint lives in Australia, New Zealand, or elsewhere. As long as they are a Samoan citizen, they can complain anywhere.”

He confirmed that a recent complaint by an individual living in New Zealand was submitted via a letter sent to the ministry’s official email address. According to Leiataua, this is one of several accepted methods for citizens to contact the police.

“There are three ways a person can lodge a complaint,” he explained. “They can physically appear at a police station, send a written letter, or call in. These are standard procedures that apply to everyone, including Samoans living overseas.”

The Acting Commissioner reiterated that while the physical location of the complainant may vary, the determining factor in whether charges can be laid is whether the alleged offence occurred or was accessible in Samoa.

“These are matters of jurisdiction,” he said. “Even if the alleged actions take place online from another country, if they cause harm or are accessible here in Samoa, then our laws apply.”

Leiataua said the SPPCS takes all complaints seriously, especially those involving online defamation or harassment, given the widespread reach and potential harm caused by electronic communication.

“Our responsibility is to protect our citizens and uphold the law,” he said. “Complaints from Samoan citizens, no matter where they are in the world, will be investigated with the same level of seriousness and due process.”

He encouraged citizens to use official channels when making complaints and assured that all reports would be handled in accordance with Samoan legislation.