A hit-and-run incident that claimed the life of a teenager over two years ago was the subject of a Cabinet meeting on Friday amid the circulation of unsubstantiated allegations. 

Acting Prime Minister and Minister for Customs and Revenue, Tuala Iosefo Ponifasio released a statement Friday night on the April 2021 incident at Vaitele-fou, where the lifeless body of 18-year-old National University of Samoa (N.U.S.) student Tuuau Faasavalu was discovered on the roadside, with Samoa's Police unable to make any breakthroughs in their investigations to date.

He said the Cabinet held an urgent special meeting on Friday to discuss the issue while also advising that the current Minister of Police, Faualo Harry Schuster had declared a "conflict of interest" and will not be directly involved with the case.  

Prior to the Cabinet meeting, the Acting Prime Minister said he met with the Police Commissioner Auapa'au Logoitino Filipo so he could get an update on the case. He said the Cabinet understands that the matter is sensitive and people are still waiting for an update.

Tuala said the case and the reports surrounding it have laid bare the integrity of the various Government Ministries and it is only proper that the Cabinet addresses the issue. He noted that the accident was a tragedy that claimed the life of a young boy and over two years later there has been no solid evidence or closure for the family who lost their loved one. Tuala, speaking on behalf of the Samoa Government of Samoa, then expressed their heartfelt condolences to the grieving family. 

Speaking about his meeting with Auapa'au before meeting with the Cabinet on Friday, Tuala confirmed that he was informed that the Police investigation into the matter is still ongoing. 

"The Police Commissioner made it clear that the investigation into the matter continues," Tuala said. "They have also looked into verifying all the statements made by people who have approached the ministry about what happened, however, nothing has been confirmed yet."

Tuala then reminded the nation that one of the core functions of the Ministry of Police is to maintain the peace and safety of the people of Samoa as well as enforce the laws and charge those who have broken the laws of the land. He said for any case investigated by Police, there needs to be enough solid evidence to prove any statements made about a case, and there should be no doubt before they hand it over to the courts. 

"They are also to be independent in how they carry out investigations in line with the laws and regulations that guide the work that they vowed to do when they were sworn in."

The Acting Prime Minister then indicated that the Government hopes to cross out any suggestions that they have extended an arm to carry out the roles undertaken by the Ministry of Police. 

"Politics should not be in the way of finding justice," Tuala said. "The Ministry of Police has the authority to provide updates on their investigations for members of the public unless the law requires to have suppressions for any particular case because of its sensitivity or in order to protect those affected or any key witnesses so that the investigation would not be jeopardised. 

"Other than that, police must always try and keep the country informed about the details of ongoing investigations so they will not be worried and to answer any questions from the families of those affected."

Tuala said the Government has decided that there should be no more delays in getting to the bottom of the case and the Cabinet has sought legal advice from the Attorney General's office to come up with a recommendation to the Cabinet on a way to resolve the issue. 

The Cabinet has also asked for an urgent assessment of the evidence and statements that the Police have on the matter and report back to the Cabinet. They have also asked to consider setting up a Special Unit made up of law enforcement officers from New Zealand to focus on the case so that it will not interfere with the day-to-day work of the ministry.