Cop suspended, charged over car smash

A policeman has been charged and suspended from duty as a result of a traffic accident earlier this month involving a vehicle donated by a donor partner.

The suspension and charging of Jr Afereti – who is a corporal in the Police – was confirmed by Acting Police Commissioner, Papali’i Monalisa Keti, in response to questions from the Samoa Observer. 

Afereti was the driver of a Ford Ranger which was assigned to the Police Tactical Unit and was donated by the Australian government. It collided with another vehicle in Vailoa earlier this month.

“I can confirm that he has been charged (traffic citations) but I don’t recall what are the charges as I am out of the office. He is, however schedule to appear in court next month,” said Papali’i.

“And yes, he’s been suspended as a result of the investigation.” 

As reported earlier this month, eyewitness Tauapai Usoalii told this newspaper that a black car that refuelled at a gas station pulled out and turned onto the main road when it was hit by a passing Police vehicle.

"We were talking with one of my elders in front of our house, and then we saw the black car coming from inside the gas station and when it almost got to the road, we just looked away for a second and then we heard the bang," he said.

The collision left the small black car badly damaged. It lost its bumper and the car's front wheel axle broke from the impact of the collusion. The drivers and passengers of both vehicles escaped injury at that time.