Samoa's cabinet has confirmed its decision to suspend Assistant Police Commissioner Samoa Mulinuu Mulinuu.
A view of Apia taken from outside police headquarters Photo: RNZI/ Sally Round
The assistant commissioner has been suspended because government was not informed that the Police Commissioner Fuiavailili Egon Keil was to be arrested on Monday.
Commissioner Fuiavailili is facing new charges including incitement to murder.
Meanwhile a Commission of Inquiry has been called to review Assistant Commissioner Samoa's conduct and performance while undertaking his duties as a Police Officer.
In a press statement on Monday, the cabinet said it had also suspended the Police Commissioner from his duties, pending a court decision on the new charges against him.
Samoa Police Commissioner, Fuiavailili Egon Keil, with family and supporters. Photo: RNZI/Autagavaia Tipi Autagavaia
Those charges, originally brought by the police, have been transferred to the National Prosecution for processing and action.
The Police Service Act states that an Inquiry may be called in to the performance or capacity of a Commissioner or Assistant Commissioner.
Police Commissioner, Fuiavailili Egon Keil, arriving at court for the second appearance. Photo: Autagavaia Tipi Autagavaia
The Commission of Inquiry will subsequently extend to a thorough review of Samoa Police activities and services.
The Inquiry will assess any breaches of duty or incapacity and will review behaviour that has negatively affected the confidence of the community in the Police Service.
Samoan police headquarters in Apia Photo: RNZI/Sally Round
This review by the Commission of Inquiry is to take place at a later date, as decided upon by Cabinet.
Cabinet has also reaffirmed protocols for the request, use and safekeeping of firearms by Samoa Police.
The Police Commissioner Egon Keil and Acting Prime Prime Minister Lautafi Selafi Fio Purcell at the launching of the gun amnesty in Samoa Photo: RNZI / Autagavaia Tipi Autagavaia
Any request and approval of the use of firearms must be considered first by the Prime Minister, Deputy Prime Minister, Attorney General and Director of the National Prosecution Office.
The duties of the Police Commissioner will be rotated amongst serving Assistant Commissioners until further notice.
