Samoa’s Police have identified a man who is wanted in connection with the assault and robbing of a New Zealand tourist in front of Apia's shopping arcade on Sunday afternoon.

Giving the details in a joint press conference on Friday with the Samoa Tourism Authority (S.T.A.) official Fanaea Natu, Deputy Police Commissioner, Papali’i Monalisa Tiai-Keti said using CCTV footage together with details submitted by the victim they were able to identify a suspect in connection with the incident.

She said his name is Silao Leleiga or Silao Faaleleiga from the villages of Nofoalii, Sa'anapu, Sapunaoa, Sala'ilua Savai’i and Vaitele fou.

"This story started as reported by a newspaper in our country. The lady reported it to the police on Sunday,” Papali’i said.  

“We have already met and conducted the investigation with the affected lady and she has identified a picture to confirm the accused.

"Later today we will post his picture on the Ministry's social media platform. He has been identified by the lady and especially with the help of the country.”

According to the Deputy Police Commissioner, the suspect was recently released from prison and was jailed previously on seven occasions.

Papalii added that offences such as robbery by force are taken to the Supreme Court and they attract heavier penalties. 

Fanaea, who is the S.T.A. Principal Culture and Liaison Officer, told the media the main purpose of the press conference is to raise awareness on the safety of tourists now that Samoa’s borders have opened.

"It has only been two months since the borders have opened and we are already faced with problems that have affected tourists and that is where we will project our views towards during this conference," he said.

"The Deputy Commissioner of Police and Prisons is also here to remind us of the enforcement of laws by their Ministry and also to inform the country on the safety of tourists and also Samoans who live overseas who are returning to our country.

"On behalf of the Minister, the Board of Directors and the C.E.O. I want to remind our country that we need to maintain the safety of our guests coming in. As you all know, not only are we known for being clean, we are also known as being safe.”

Papali’i expressed similar sentiments and pointed out that the protection of tourists is not up to one Ministry – but is a responsibility for the whole country now that the borders have opened.

Asked whether the Ministry of Police plans to patrol public areas on Sunday, Papali'i said the Ministry is rescheduling officers to ensure that on Sundays public areas in Apia will have police presence. 

As an example, Fanaea pointed to the recently opened Friendship Park at the back of Government Building, which is monitored by security throughout the night. 

"Remember it is a Friendship Park and we notice that many families come to it to rest and play. We ask that we all look after our country's assets," he said. 

Discussing the ordeal of the New Zealand tourist Megan, whose harassment and robbing while in the company of her two children was first reported by the Samoa Observer early this week, Fanaea said Samoa is a peaceful country and it is sad that the Kiwi was attacked.

“We are saddened that one of the tourists that came here last week had fallen into an unbecoming situation," he said.

"So I plead with you on behalf of the Minister and the Ministry to remember that as a Samoan, this is your contribution to our country's development through the blessings of tourism, that the tourists are well looked after and safe. 

"We ask that whenever you see a tourist, whether they are at the shops, a restaurant or looking for somewhere to go, we pray that you help them.”

The S.T.A. official also raised his concerns about the European tourist Judith, who was overcharged by a taxi operator and ended up paying $400, after she was taken to a beach fale following her arrival in the country.

"Two weeks ago there was also a problem with differences on taxi fares for tourists so the Ministry would also like to remind you again, taxi drivers and all those who are transporting guests, that we all work together on this,” Fanaea said. 

"Your contribution, our servitude, goes a long way. It must be noted that tourism is an industry that contributes plentifully to the development of our country and our people.

"Samoa, we ask all matai councils and Members of Parliament, villages and the general community whether urban or rural, where-ever the tourists go to please look after them.

"This is a request from our Government and leaders that we work together to look after our tourists so that we can maintain our reputation as a safe Samoa for foreigners and tourists, as well as our own people coming home.”

In relation to the European tourist being overcharged by a taxi operator, Papalii said the Land Transport Authority (L.T.A.) is responsible for taxi fare enforcement. 

"This is also an opportunity to say that we will contact L.T.A. to relook at their list of taxi fares and enforce the pricing for the awareness of the public," she said.