Woman frustrated by lack of action from Police

By Ilia L. Likou 11 April 2018, 12:00AM

A woman from Aleipata has criticised what she described as poor Police service at the Lalomanu Police Station.

The woman who only wants to be identied as “Ioe” said she is frustrated about the lack of action with regards to complaints she had lodged about missing and stolen properties from her home.

 “What’s really sad is that, it’s getting worse. We’ve discovered many properties at our place been stolen from time to time,” she said.

“The only time we go to our village is during the weekend, but we stay during the week in Apia because of our children’s education and work. Even our pigs have been stolen.”

The woman said the reason they reported the matter to Police is because they want peace. 

“We don’t want to do this by our own strength because we may never know what comes after from people who we accuse.”

She also recalled a number of threatening texts she received on her phone.

“I believe the person who stole from our place did this and I also reported those text messages to the Police. Up until now, we still have not received any call from Police about the status of their investigation.” 

“Plus the number of other matters that I reported, I am still waiting and it is really sad.”

“Honestly, I just don’t know where to turn to and my only hope is the Police.”

She believes the Police are the only hope for vulnerable families like hers. 

“If Police officers are expected to understand and respect the law, then they should also respect people within the community.”

“They are also expected to work closely with everyone in the communities they serve, treat everyone fairly, and maintain the peace and physical discipline that effective policing requires.”

“Yes, they are viewed as role models of peace and justice.”

She also told Samoa Observer she had already contacted Prime Minister Tuilaepa Sa’ilele Malielegaoi, who is also the Minister of Police, and she is awaiting a response. 

“Hopefully I’m the only person who faces this kind of service from the Police. My situation in my village is getting worse. It could’ve cost someone’s life, but what more can we do?”

“I’m begging the Ministry please I need your help to resolve my situation. I don’t want to live in fear all my life. My children are not safe as well.”

The Samoa Observer was referred to the Police Media Spokesperson, Auapa’au Filipo Logoitino, by an officer at the Lalomanu Police Station for comments. 

Attempts to get comments from Auapa’au were unsuccessful as of press time.

By Ilia L. Likou 11 April 2018, 12:00AM
Samoa Observer

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