Two Vaiusu men, already on bail for burglary charges, have been charged with aggravated robbery following an incident at Moata’a where a taxi driver is alleged to have had a knife held to his neck. 

David Paulo, 20, and Matthew Asimalu, 18, are in Police custody pending their appearance in the Supreme Court for criminal mention over the carjacking case.

But they are also awaiting a court appearance on the burglary charges.  

The Commissioner of Police, Fuiavaili’ili Egon Keil, confirmed the arrest and subsequent robbery charges, in response to questions from the Samoa Observer. 

In Moata’a, the taxi driver said he managed to drive his car into a ditch and escaped from the scene, leaving the two men in the car. 

He said the car was parked in front of a store in Vaiusu when the men entered the car and placed the knife on the victim’s neck. 

“They drove around all night,” the Commissioner alleged. 

It’s alleged the men took the driver’s iPhone before catching another taxi to Vaiusu; upon arrival at their destination, they are further alleged to have not paid the taxi fare. 

The Commissioner said, both taxi drivers filed a criminal complaint against the Vaiusu men.  

The Police were able to track the culprits using the iPhone they are alleged to have stolen; they were found sleeping in their bedroom, where they were arrested. 

Fuiavaili’ili warned taxi drivers to be cautious when driving through unfamiliar areas. 

“If you feel unsafe, make the right call and leave the area.   But don’t take any chance,” he said.

The Commissioner confirmed the taxi driver was not injured. 

By press time it could not be established if the men intended to contest the prior burglary charges. They are expected to be called for criminal mention later this year.