Twelve of the 13 matai and untitled men of the village of Leafagaoalii, Savaii have opted to plead guilty to hog-tying a man and assaulting him after a dispute.

The 12 defendants appeared in the Supreme Court for trial but decided to plead guilty instead causing the trial to be vacated. They were charged with kidnapping and common assault.

The 12 defendants' counsel Alex Su'a told the court of the change.

This leaves one defendant, 70-year-old Aitaui'a Iosia Lemau who maintained his not guilty plea to the charges of attempted murder, grievous bodily harm and armed with a dangerous weapon.

The assigned prosecutor for this matter, Leone Su'a-Mailo requested the court to withdraw four charges against some defendants which included threats to do bodily harm, conspiracy to commit an offence, armed with a dangerous weapon for defendant Lemana Pene and another charge of armed with a dangerous weapon for defendant Va'a Alai.

Judge Justice Leiataualesa Darryl Clarke ordered all defendants to be remanded in custody until sentencing on 6 December.

Mr Su'a requested the court for an earlier date so that he could file a bail application, especially for the elderly matai who are needed in their village most times.

Justice Leiataualesa accepted the request and set Thursday this week for the bail hearing.

One of the six matai charged, Aituia Iosia Lemau has pleaded not guilty to three serious charges against him. Aituia only pleaded guilty to kidnapping and common assault.

He has been remanded. Aitaui'a was told to appear in the Supreme Court on 25 November to set a hearing date for the charges he pleaded not guilty to.

The video of the incident which was circulated and gone viral on social media shows more than 20 people standing outside the house believed to belong to the man who was later hog-tied.  

Village matai were heard in the background of the video saying "Don’t disrespect this village" and continued when the man was tied and carried out.  

Another matai is heard calling out to tie him up put him on the stick and prepare the umu to roast him.  

The man who was hog tied, Sooalo Manu told the media in recent interviews that he has forgiven his village.

The 12 defendants are Aitauia Iosia Lemau, 70, Vaele Iosia Reupoamo 75, Tauti Tiaka 68, Toemago Pa'u Lasalo, Lemana Nouata 55, Ofisa Sitafao 27, Vaa Alai 27, Amiga Lagaaia 30, Tomasi Samuelu 24, Faavevela Lale 27, Lemana Pene 57 and Salapo Etene Uini 61.