Cop charged after home crash

Police Corporal Nepa Camilla Papali’i has been suspended from duty and charged after her car careened into a family home during an alleged drunken accident. 

The car crash occurred in Puipa’a last weekend and involved a privately-registered vehicle.

“It is unfortunate that we arrested one of our own, but no one is above the law. Nepa was arrested and charged with drunk driving and dangerous driving,” said the Commissioner of Police, Fuiavaili’ili Egon Keil, in response to questions from the Samoa Observer. 

Corporal Papali’i, who works in the Police's Forensic Unit, has also been placed on suspension from her duties as a result of the incident.

“An investigation has been launched by the [Police's] Professional Standards Unit into her [alleged] misconduct but in the meantime she has been suspended pending the criminal case before the court and the internal investigation,” added the Commissioner.

The Samoa Observer contacted Corporal Papali’i for interview but she declined. 

“Thanks but no comments,” said Corporal Papali’i. 

Fuiavaili'ili made it clear that the vehicle involved was privately owned and was not a Police force vehicle. 

This newspaper also visited the family, whose home in Puipa’a was the scene of the accident but they refused to comment on the incident.

The Commissioner also used the opportunity to remind law enforcement officers that no one is above the law.

“We have zero tolerance for any unlawful actions at the same time we will not hesitate to make an arrest [even when Officers are involved],” he said.

The Commissioner further commended the Officers who responded and went to the scene of the accident for making the right call.

“Our job is to enforce the law, and that is what these officers did. It did not matter whether it was one of our own; they did what they know is right under the law and that is commendable,” he said.