The Minister for Commerce Industry and Labour Faleomavaega Titimaea Tafua was officially charged on Monday connected to a car crash at Le Mafa on Saturday. 

Police Commissioner Auapaau Logoitino Filipo confirmed that Faleomavaega was charged with negligent driving causing injury and dangerous driving. 

He added the minister surrendered his travel documents and was released on bail pending his court appearance on 29 April.

Faleomavaega was the driver of the government vehicle that was involved in the car crash with a black vehicle carrying four passengers. 

One of the passengers in the black vehicle sustained serious injuries and was admitted to the Moto’otua hospital while three other passengers were discharged. 

Auapaau confirmed that speeding was a factor in the collision at Le Mafa Pass on Saturday afternoon. 

Faleomavaega is the member of parliament for Aleipata Itupa I Luga and was recently elevated to the ministerial post following the removal of four cabinet ministers. 

One of those cabinet ministers was the Minister of Agriculture and Fisheries, La’auli Leuatea Schmidt who was sacked following criminal charges against him. 

Prime Minister, Fiame Naomi Mata’afa made the point of following the Rule of Law and her cabinet minister facing the consequence of losing his portfolios so he can answer to the allegations levelled against him.

Fiame is yet to announce if Faleomavaega would be asked to step down from his ministerial portfolio following the criminal charges.