The 58-year-old man of Fasitoo-uta facing two murder charges including the death of a senior police officer appeared in the Supreme Court on Monday. 

Pokati Tuu also known as Pokati Faataui has been in custody since he was captured on 24 July after a police hunt following the death of two men including a police officer. 

He appeared before Supreme Court Justice, Leiataualesa Daryl Clarke for the first time since the incident. 

The prosecutor and Attorney General’s Office lawyer, Helen Apisaloma-Sefo sought an adjournment to 9 September to allow for time to finalise the charges. 

The defendant has also indicated his intention to seek a lawyer through legal aid assistance. 

Justice Clarke granted the two-week adjournment and for the defendant to remain in custody until his next appearance. 

Tuu is facing two murder charges for the death of Sergeant Perite and the murder of a Nofoalii resident. 

Police reported the defendant allegedly murdered the Nofoalii man on a Sunday and he shot Sergeant Perite on Monday as he carried out his investigation into the homicide case.

Meanwhile, the Legislative Assembly will suspend its sitting on Tuesday this week as parliamentarians head to Savaii to attend the funeral service and burial of the slain police officer. 

Speaker of the House, Papalii Lio Masipau announced the suspension of Parliament on Monday when the Assembly reconvened. 

Papalii spoke about these difficult times for the family of the senior policeman who offered his life to serve the country. 

He said such service to the country should not be taken lightly and despite the importance of the businesses of the Parliament, he felt that the grieving family should not be neglected. 

Therefore, the Speaker announced that the government leaders including himself would like to pay their tribute and attend the final service for Detective Sergeant Peniamina Perite on Tuesday.

Parliament was adjourned on Monday afternoon and will resume on Wednesday.