The report by the Commission of Inquiry, which investigated claims of mismanagement and misadministration at Tafa’igata Prison, has been handed to Prime Minister, Tuilaepa Sa’ilele Malielegaoi.
That’s what the Samoa Observer was reliably told by a source.
The report was submitted at the end of last week, awaiting Tuilaepa’s return from New York, where he had travelled for the official launching of the International Year for Small Island Developing States (S.I.D.S.).
Launched last year, the inquiry titled “Tafaigata Prisons – investigating the allegations regarding the mismanagement and misadministration of Tafaigata Prisons and other related issues” looked at a number of issues at the prison.
Among them were alleged loans between prisoners and police officers and sexual misconduct between them.
The Inquiry was headed by Ombudsman, Maiava Iulai Toma, as the Chairperson.
The other independent members were Gataloai Tili Afamasaga and Su’a Tanielu. At the beginning of the Inquiry, the points of reference highlighted the handling of complaints, mistreatment of prisoners, weekend parole and rehabilitation programmes among other things.
Point 2 of the term of reference looked at the “alleged giving or loaning of money by prisoners to Police officers”.
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In 2 b), the Commission was required to look into “alleged affairs involving Police officers, prisoners and spouses and relatives of prisoners.”
The inquiry was seen by members of the public as the government’s response to criticisms of wrong doing within Tafa’igata. As part of the inquiry, Police Commissioner, Lilomaiava Fou Taioalo, and Assistant Police Commissioner, Sala Seaga Uili were suspended.
According to the Cabinet, the suspension was to avoid any potential for influence in the course of investigation.
In a media statement, Cabinet said: “Cabinet has approved the suspension of Police Commissioner Li lomaiava Fou Taioalo and Prison warden – and Assistant Commissioner - Sala Seaga Uili for four (4) months.
“This is while a Commission of Inquiry – headed by the Ombudsman’s office - carries out investigations on reported conditions at Tafa’igata Prison.
“The pair will continue to receive full pay in the duration of their suspension.”
Apart from three independent Commissioners, two legal counsels from the office of the Attorney General, Sina Lafaialii Koria and Sefo Ainuu also assisted the Inquiry.
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