Three govt. workers sacked over missing money

By Ilia L. Likou 08 September 2017, 12:00AM

The services of three employees of the Samoa Land Corporation (SLC) have been terminated following an investigation in to funds missing from the corporation.

Attempts to get a comment from the General Manager, Ulugia Kavesi, yesterday were unsuccessful, but a government source, who spoke to the Samoa Observer anonymously, confirmed the decision. 

“The government continues to cooperate fully with the Police in this ongoing investigation,” the source said.

“The immediate termination of the three employees was based upon government guidelines and policies. They (three employees) have already been informed about this.”

In June this year, a total of $50,000 was removed from the safe located inside the main office of the SLC at Vaitele.

The Acting Police Assistant Commissioner, Sala’a Moananu, confirmed this at the time. He said the matter was reported to the Police on 3 June 2017. 

“According to the report provided by the Criminal Investigation Division, the matter was reported to the police around 4pm, from the S.L.C. office in Vaitele,” he said.

The missing amount includes cheques. The matter was initially reported to the Faleata Police Post. The CID was contacted to take over the investigation. 

Sala’a said the police had ruled out the possibility that it was a burglary incident. 

“Police officers have taken photos and have been to every door and window.

"It is evident there is no sign of forced entry in to the building to indicate that this was burglary.” 

According to Sala’a, three employees of SLC were immediately questioned by the Police. 

The Assistant Commissioner pointed out that “the missing funds are government money and the Police will exhort all options” to find it. 

Asked if the Police suspect that this was an inside job, the Acting Assistant Commissioner responded, “I cannot say it’s an inside job given that they are looking at suspects outside of the SLC.” 

By Ilia L. Likou 08 September 2017, 12:00AM
Samoa Observer

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