The driver for the Speaker of Parliament, Fa’atau Lealofi Polata’ivao, appeared in the District Court yesterday.
His appearance before District Court Judge, her Honour Tafaoimalo Leilani Tuala, was in relation to a hit and run incident at Vailoa which led to the death of an Australia-based Samoan during the week of the S.I.D.S conference.
During his brief appearance, Prosecutor Inspector Rosalia Matamu made two applications.
“The first application is if the matter could be adjourned for two weeks without plea while police finalise their charges,” the Court was told.
“Second, I ask to have the defendant held in custody because of the seriousness of the charges against him."
“This also takes into consideration a request from his family to hold him there because of their fear of any dispute (between the families).”
Judge Tafaoimalo granted both applications.
“The matter is adjourned until 30th September without plea for police to finalise the charges.”
Assistant Police Commissioner, Fauono Talalelei Tapu, said the vehicle Polataivao drove that night belongs to the Speaker of Parliament,
La’auli Leuatea Polata’ivao.