An internal investigation has been launched following allegations about a young male from Toamua who was brutally beaten by police officers during the Independence Day weekend.
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The story of Ene Pa’apa’a, 21, was featured in the Samoa Observer last week where he said he is grateful to be alive after the beating.
During an interview with Ministry of Police, Public Relations Officer, Su’a Muliaga Tiumalu yesterday, he confirmed that the incident was the subject of an investigation.
“The Police Professional Standards Unit has been instructed to investigate the incident,” said Su’a.
“I cannot say who is involved because that will be established throughout the investigation.”
Su’a added that the story about Mr. Pa’apa’a prompted the investigation.
“We will know at the end of the investigation if the allegations are true and if there are possible charges against the officers.”
Mr. Pa’apa’a was a crewmember of the Little Rina Fautasi.
He said the incident happened when the Police were called to calm a dispute that arose among some men of the village who had been drinking alcohol.
He admitted that he threw a knife at a Police officer, which might have angered them.
“So I ran from the policemen,” recalled Mr. Pa’apa’a.
“They caught me when I slipped in front of the pastor’s house and they started to throw punches, kicked me and another threw a stone at me.
“I got dragged and that is how I got scratches and open wounds on my feet.
“The last thing I remember was one policeman grabbing my head and punching it on the floor. I was knocked out and I only woke up to find myself at the hospital.”
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