A man who allegedly crashed his car into the Prime Minister's official vehicle last month at Aufaga outside Apia has been identified by the Police.

He is Michael Savusa from Aufaga Lepa and Faleatiu, according to the Police Superintendent, Auapaau Logoitino Filipo.

Auapaau has appealed to the public for help with information, which could lead the Police to his whereabouts or better still turn him into the authorities.

“Police investigations are continuing and we appeal to the public for help, either turn him into the police or contact us if there is any information can lead to his whereabouts,” he said in an interview with the Samoa Observer. 

When he was asked whether the Police have been to Faleatiu or Lepa, Auapaau said: “Look, it is common sense, police operation is not public information. All I can say is that we are still investigating."

This newspaper visited the residence of the Faleatiu Village Mayor Lio Tuupo recently, who said Savusa is his nephew, but he no longer lives in Faleatiu. 

“Savusa is a convicted murderer who has been released out on parole. He is my nephew, his mother is my cousin, the sister of Filipaina and since he was arrested for the murder of his father-in-law, his family has moved to Aufaga Lepa. 

"That’s where his father is from. Their family was fined by the village and to date they have not paid that fine. 

“That means, they are no longer involved in the village affairs, hence the difficulty of the village council to step in regarding the matter you had mentioned,” he said. 

The Police has also not consulted him on the matter, Mr. Tuupo added, but if they do there is nothing much he can do. 

“Like I said, the family is no longer here and because they are not involved with the village affairs, the village council cannot really do anything about it."

According to Mr. Tuupo, Savusa hasn't been seen at the village since he was arrested many years ago. 

The traffic incident at Aufaga last month occured when Prime Minister Tuilaepa Dr. Sa'ilele Malielegaoi was heading to an official Government event.