Ten more Church Ministers in Court

By Joyetter Feagaimaali’i-Luamanu 18 December 2018, 12:00AM

Ten more church ministers from the Congregational Christian Church of Samoa (C.C.C.S.) appeared in the District Court yesterday.

They each face two counts of failure to withhold tax and failure to file wage tax returns.

The Ministers are Reverends Fa’au’uga Mata’utia, Taise Ioapo, Faraimo Ti’iti’i; Fili Matalavea; Fuaao Fuimaono; Iese Uele; Pita Toleafoa; Seilala Luamanuvae; Siaosi Salesulu and Tunumoso Isaia.

They appeared before District Court Judge Fepuela’i Ameperosa Roma and were represented by lawyer Alex Su’a who asked the Court for an adjournment — in order to go through the matter with his clients.  

Su’a made the application to adjourn without a plea, while awaiting instructions, and also indicated that they will ask the Court to dispense of his clients’ bail conditions.

“Also if these matters can be scheduled together with the other defendants (church ministers) who appeared in court last week to be heard together on February 5, 2019,” he added.  

Judge Fepulea’i noted that the Church Ministers are remanded at liberty, meaning there are no bail conditions. Also their matter is now scheduled for February 5, 2019. 

Last week nine church ministers appeared in Court. They are as follows: Reverends Senara Tautiaga, Amosa Reupena, Enefatu Lesa, Fa’asalafa Vitaoa, Ioane Petaia, Lavilavi Soloi, Petaia Leavai, Poasa Toiaivao and Semikueva Fa’atoafa. 

By Joyetter Feagaimaali’i-Luamanu 18 December 2018, 12:00AM
Samoa Observer

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