Murder trial witnesses to give evidence via video link

By Lanuola Tusani Tupufia – Ah Tong 18 February 2019, 12:00AM

The Supreme Court yesterday granted an application to allow the use of video link for two witnesses to give evidence in the murder trial of former Unit Trust of Samoa C.E.O., Sa’u Justina Sa’u. 

Husband Kolani Junior Lam is charged with one count of murder in respect of his wife, one count of assault in respect of a step daughter, and one count of possession of narcotics, namely marijuana. 

He has pleaded not guilty to all the charges against him. 

Chief Justice, His Honour Patu Tiava’asue Falefatu Sapolu presided over the matter. 

Prosecution lawyer is Fuifui Ioane and Komisi Koria is representing the defendant. 

In the Supreme Court yesterday, the Chief Justice noted there was no objection from the defense counsel on the application. 

He added there is no reason why the defense counsel should not be able to see the witnesses (hooked up through the video link) during the trial. 

“The purpose of the application (for the video link) so that the accused will not be able to see the witnesses,” he said.  

“Why should the counsel for the defense not be able to see the witnesses, when the application is for the accused? The defense counsel will still be able to see the two prosecution witnesses and counsel will also be able to examine and re-examine (the witnesses).”

The Chief Justice granted the application and asked the prosecution to liaise with the Court registrar to make appropriate arrangements for the trial to have access to the use of the video link. 

The defendant remains in custody pending the trial in the Supreme Court next Tuesday February 26.  

By Lanuola Tusani Tupufia – Ah Tong 18 February 2019, 12:00AM
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