Woman questions Police

By Joyetter Feagaimaali’i-Luamanu 05 May 2018, 12:00AM

Fa’alolo’i Ah Ping Sio has expressed disappointment over the laxity of the Police services in Samoa. 

Ms. Sio claims she was assaulted by a Village Mayor and her attempts to file the complaint with the Police department were not taken seriously. 

In an interview with the Weekend Observer, Ms. Sio said a man in his 50s, a Village Mayor, allegedly assaulted her in a nightclub. 

“But when I attempted to file a complaint against the Village Mayor, I was given the run around by the Police officers on duty, last Saturday 28 April, 2018,” she said. 

Contacted for a comment, the Police Superintendent and Media Spokesperson, Auapa’au Logoitino Filipo, assured that the Police are looking into this matter. 

He told the Samoa Observer the complaint lodged by Ms. Sio regarding the Village Mayor is being investigated and as of now no one has been charged. 

“In relation to her claims (against the Police) that matter has been referred to the Police Professional Standard Unit for investigation,” explained Auapa’au. 

Attempts to get a comment from the village mayor in question have been unsuccessful.

But Ms. Sio expressed her frustration with the Police department. 

 “On Saturday, out of nowhere, a Village Mayor slapped me twice on my face. 

“To be honest, I don’t know this man, other than the fact I know he is a Village Mayor of my neighbouring village. 

“I called the Police and upon their arrival, they asked the Village Mayor to go down to the Police Station. I jumped into a taxi and followed them. 

“I arrived at the Police Station only to be told to go home as I was under the influence of alcohol. 

“I don’t understand this. They should have given me a breathalyzer test to determine the level of alcohol in my body prior to concluding that I was drunk.  

“My summation of what the entire situation is the fact that the accused is a Village Mayor and I am just another civilian who does not matter,” she said. 

“The officers who handled my case were all men and all gave me the look as if I was the one who committed the crime. I was crushed inside, thinking I am here to seek justice and this is what I get.” 

“A slap is assault and it there is no way around it. 

“I guess because the accused is the Village Mayor and I am just another female. I am saddened with the gender inequality existing within the Police,” she said. 

Ms. Sio further noted she returned on Sunday morning, but only to be insulted by another officer that day. 

“I was told to go freshen up first in the restroom and only then I can make my statement against the Village Mayor. 

“Do you know how insulting that was for me,” said Ms. Pio. 

She said she then left the Police Station and returned on Monday. 

“I came back on Monday and asked to see the Commissioner but I was not allowed, so then I filed my complaint with the Samoa Victim Support Group. 

“Afterwards I went directly to the Police Professional Standard Unit and filed my complaint against the Police for their unprofessionalism and discrimination.”

By Joyetter Feagaimaali’i-Luamanu 05 May 2018, 12:00AM
Samoa Observer

Upgrade to Premium

Subscribe to
Samoa Observer Online

Enjoy unlimited access to all our articles on any device + free trial to e-Edition. You can cancel anytime.

>