A Police Officer has been charged with murder

Lefiu Aina Fono appeared for mention before the Supreme Court this week, in relation to the alleged murder of a man earlier this year at the village of Faleasi'u. 

He is jointly charged for murder with Maualalo Senetenari, who appeared before the Supreme Court in April this year.

The charge against Fono comes five months after the first accused was arrested and charged for the murder of the deceased, who was from the same village.

The man pleaded not guilty to the charge against him and his hearing is pending.

It is alleged that the men had thrown stones during altercation at Faleasiu on 9 March 2019. 

A man received head injuries from the dispute and was taken to the national hospital at Moto’otua. 

He later died as a result of those head injuries.

He was represented by lawyer Su’a Helene Wallwork-Lamb under the legal aid programme. 

Su’a said she had recently been allocated as counsel and sought an adjournment to obtain instruction from her client. 

Justice Leiataualesa Daryl Clarke granted the adjournment without plea ordering Fono to appear again on 2 September.   

Assistant Attorney General, Magele Leone Sua was the prosecutor assisted by lawyer Quentin Sauaga.