Prime Minister Fiame Naomi Mata’afa has called on the people of Samoa to be patient as she acknowledged the charging of one of her senior Cabinet Ministers. 

The statement from Fiame was issued around 10 am on Friday when Minister of Agriculture and Fisheries La’auli Leuatea Schmidt was due to head to the Police station for charges against him. 

Fiame said charging a cabinet minister is not a matter to be taken lightly; it has implications for the government. She did note that police are still working on pressing charges against others. 

She stressed the need to let the law take its course and that status of a person will not change the procedure of law on criminal charges. 

She said charges against La’auli are concerning the case initially publicised by Sam Leau regarding the unsolved death of a teenager. 

Others also implicated are the M.P. for Salega No.1, Fepuleai Faimata Sua, Sam Leau who has multiple aliases such as Sam Sua Fauena, Sivai Kepi, Lio Faataumalama and Lise Marie Schmidt. All have denied charges against them and are due to stand trial later this year before the District Court. The only suspect who is in custody is Sua.  

“There have been many complaints and criticisms against the Ministry of Police and much has been said on media platforms between the public and Members of Parliament on this matter,” she said. 

“The processing of this matter before the court is a must and appropriate. That is where it will prove or not prove charges against all those involved.”

The Prime Minister pointed out the court is open for any Samoan citizen who seeks justice. 

She noted the laws are clear that a person is presumed to be innocent until proven guilty in court, reminding citizens of the political crisis where the judiciary played a pivotal role in resolving it. 

“The Fa’atuatua ile Atua Samoa ua Tasi government came into office following the Rule of Law,” she emphasised. 

“It was also the decisions of the court that confirmed the under-the-tent swearing-in of Members of Parliament and made way for the new government to take over.”

The leader called on the country to hold fast to patience and leave it to God to lead the journey for this year because he will give direction and show the way.