Police investigate incident involving P.M's official vehicle

The Police are investigating an incident involving the official vehicle of Prime Minister, Tuilaepa Dr. Sa'ilele Malielegaoi, which allegedly hit a cow at Gataivai, Savai'i, last week.

Police Commissioner, Fuiavaili’ili Egon Keil, confirmed the investigation in response to questions from the Samoa Observer.

“The case is being investigated by the Traffic Unit, along with the Police officers in Savai’i," he said. 

"It is just like any other investigation, we collect the information and evidence and from there we make a decision in the end."

Asked whether the driver has been charged, the Commissioner said no charges can be laid until the investigation is complete.

“We have to look at all the factors and the investigation will lead to what needs to be done and the main thing is that no one was injured," he said.

"And the investigation is ongoing. I have to wait until the investigation is complete.” 

This is the second time for the Prime Minister's official vehicle to be at the center of a traffic incident. 

In April this year, a vehicle crashed into the back of the Prime Minister's official vehicle at Aufaga, Upolu. 

That crash occurred when the Prime Minister was on an official inspection visit.

The Police Commissioner said they are yet to find the driver from that incident. 

“We have not found the driver until this day,” he said, while adding they know his identity but they just cannot find him. 

Due to the collision with the cattle in Savai'i, the P.M. is currently using a new Toyota Prado while his official vehicle is in a workshop at Lotopa.

It was not possible to get a comment from Prime Minister Tuilaepa.