Alleged cover up in bizarre murder plot

By Joyetter Feagaimaali’i-Luamanu 29 July 2017, 12:00AM

The Police have re-opened their investigation into a case involving a missing man and an alleged plot by some village men to cover up a bizarre killing back in 2013.

Two men have been questioned and are under Police custody with more arrests possible. 

As of yesterday, Acting Assistant Police Commissioner, Sala’a Moananu Sala’a, said more than 20 Police officers - including contracted divers – had been assigned to the village for the case.

He said there was “no new” information over the years until three days ago when police got a new lead.

Sala’a declined to discuss the details of the case, noting the Police have re-opened the case and that the investigation is underway. 

But the Weekend Observer understands the two men behind bars were taken into Police custody for a different matter when they coughed up information about the case.

A Police source told the Weekend Observer that during interrogation process, one of the men admitted to the Police that he and two other men were responsible for the death of a man who has been missing since 2013.

Back in 2013, it is alleged that the three men went to purchase the missing man’s cattle. When the missing refused, the men allegedly plotted to steal the cattle. 

The plot was carried out but it hit a snag when the owner caught the thieves in action. It is alleged that this was when they assaulted the man. 

The source said the men cleared out the cattle’s organs and allegedly stuffed the man inside its stomach. They then threw the cattle down the river where it washed out into the ocean.

Sala’a told the Weekend Observer that the Police have contracted divers to assist them with their search for any evidence pertaining to the missing man or his cattle. 

The search has been ongoing for two days.

Sala’a said the Village Council of the village in question have been extremely helpful and they have provided untitled men to assist.

 “It’s unclear when the search for evidence will be called off,” said Sala’a. 

“That is not my call. However the fact of the matter is that new information has been revealed and the Police will explore all options. 

“This is a homicide case, and we will be conducting interviews as if this case was only reported yesterday.”

By Joyetter Feagaimaali’i-Luamanu 29 July 2017, 12:00AM
Samoa Observer

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