Samoa Observer: 8 August 1999
CRIME: MAN SENTENCED TO DEATH
The first suspect in the murder of the late Minister of Public Works, Luagalau Levaula Kamu, has pleaded guilty in the Supreme Court. Alatise Leafa Vitale, 34, was given the mandatory death penalty but the Samoa Observer says it is understood that this will be commuted to life imprisonment by the Head of State, Malietoa Tanumafili 11.
THE FIRST suspect in the murder of the late Minister of Public Works, Luagalau Levaula Kamu, admitted to the charge Friday last week at the Supreme Court.
Alatise Leafa Vitale, 34, was given the mandatory death penalty. It is understood
that this will be commuted to life imprisonment by His Highness, Malietoa
Tanumafili 11.
The other two charged with Luagalau's murder are the former Minister of Post
Offices and Telecommunications, Toi Aokuso, and Alatise's father, former
Minister of Women Affairs, Leafa Vitale. Both are remanded in Police custody
awaiting their court appearances Thursday and Friday next week, respectively.
This is when their pleas will be entered.
Alatise was represented in court by lawyer, Patrick Fepulea'i. He had dismissed
his previous lawyer, Toleafoa Solomona Toailoa. It is not clear why. But he was
charged with murdering Luagalau at the anniversary function of the ruling Human
Rights protection Party (HRPP) on the evening of 16 July at St Joseph's Hall,
Lotopa.
After the charge was read, presiding judge, His Honour Andrew Wilson, asked
the defendant how he pleaded. Speaking for the defendant, Fepula'i said his client
admitted to the charge. Alatise's sentence was then announced in an exchange
which took only one minute.
The day before the trial, the Police located the gun suspected to have been used in
the killing of Luagalau. The weapon is being taken to New Zealand for forensic
tests. (See other story.) It is understood that the New Zealand Police officers who
assisted with the investigation are returning home on Tuesday. They will be
coming back when the trials of the former cabinet ministers are held. Meantime,
the Police are understood to be continuing to gather evidence.