Ombudsman, Maiava Iulai Toma, has launched an investigation into Police Commissioner Lilomaiava Fou Taioalo and his Assistant Commissioner Sala Seaga Uili.
This was revealed by Maiava, who said the investigation would determine if the Lilomaiava and Sala had performed their functions satisfactorily.
“I expect this investigation to be concluded by the end of the week,” said the Ombudsman.
“After which the report will be written in the following week.”
Maiava said people assisting with this new investigation are Gatoloai Tili Afamasaga and Sua Tanielu Sua.
Counsels, Sefo Ainuu and Sine Lafaialii- Koria, from the Attorney General’s Office will also be involved.
This investigation follows on after the Ombudsman tabled his Commission of Inquiry Report with Cabinet in February this year.
The report dealt with allegations of police corruption and focused on Tafaigata Prison.
In a press conference last April, Prime Minister, Tuilaepa Sa’ilele Malielagaoi, commented on the findings of the report.
He said that Cabinet had “fully approved the recommendations” from the Commission.
He also pointed out that the report was particularly scathing about the “calibre” and “integrity” of police officers, in relation to claims of inappropriate relationships at the prison.
“The 75 page report lucidly outlines several management and administration problems at the Ministry (Police and Prisons), validates reports of unfavourable conditions, unflattering incidents and incongruous behavior at the country’s main prison,” he said.
Four months on, the Commission of Inquiry report has yet to be released to the public.
Meanwhile both the Police Commissioner and the Assistant Commissioner have had several extensions to their suspensions on full pay, since they were stood down in the middle of last year.
However, in May, Cabinet approved the three-year appointment of Taitosaua Edward Winterstein as the Commissioner for the Ministry of Prisons and Correction Services.
Under section 68 of the Police Service Act 2009, the Ombudsman has certain oversight responsibilities in respect of the Ministry of Police and Prison Services (M.P.P.S.) Professional Standards Unit (P.S.U.) and how it handles complaints against M.P.P.S. and its members.
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