The silence from the Prime Minister’s Office regarding a heartfelt letter from the parents of Tua’au Maletino, the young victim of Samoa’s infamous hit-and-run case, has sparked outrage among the FAST Party caucus and the people of Samoa. The letter, dated 19 February 2024, has remained unanswered for nearly a year, intensifying frustrations over the government’s lack of action and accountability.
A Family’s Desperate Plea
In their letter, Tua’au’s parents, Rossie and Fala Maletino, directly appealed to Prime Minister Fiame Naomi Mataʻafa, outlining concerns about the lack of progress in the investigation into their son’s death. The letter highlighted the following key issues:
The delayed release of Tua’au’s death certificate, now expected on 24 April 2024, which has added to the family’s distress.
Allegations of mishandling in the police investigation, raising suspicions of negligence or a possible cover-up.
The involvement of individuals within law enforcement who are allegedly connected to suspects in the case, leading to concerns about impartiality.
Unexplained delays in DNA testing and other crucial forensic evidence that could determine accountability.
The letter reflects the family’s anguish and calls for justice not only for their son but also for the sake of fairness and transparency in Samoa’s institutions. They have requested that the investigation be reviewed and managed independently to address the many irregularities.
Frustration Among FAST Party Caucus
The inaction on Tua’au’s case has also caused unrest within the FAST Party caucus. Members have expressed their growing concerns over the Prime Minister’s handling of this matter and her lack of communication with both the caucus and the grieving family. The delayed response has contributed to a perception that the leadership is indifferent to both the family’s suffering and public calls for accountability.
Adding to the controversy, FAST Chairman La’auli Leuatea Schmidt has been hit with defamation charges for publicly supporting the Maletino family, questioning the integrity of the police investigation, and conducting his own private inquiry—an investigation that has reportedly uncovered links to an alleged attempted assassination. Despite the gravity of these revelations, the Prime Minister has yet to meet with the caucus to discuss the matter, further deepening tensions and exacerbating internal divisions within the party.
Public Outrage Grows
The letter from Tua’au’s parents has become a focal point for national frustration, with many Samoans echoing the family’s calls for justice. The case, already high-profile due to the involvement of influential figures, has become a symbol of the public’s diminishing trust in law enforcement and government accountability.
The unanswered letter and the lack of meaningful action by the Prime Minister’s Office have raised serious concerns about the government’s commitment to justice and fairness (amiotonu). The nearly year-long silence sends a troubling message to the people of Samoa, who expect their leaders to prioritise such matters.
A Nation Demands Accountability
The Maletino family’s plea is a reminder of the responsibility that leaders have—not only to their government but also to the people who elected them. The government’s continued inaction on this matter risks undermining public trust in Samoa’s justice system and its leadership.
The letter has become more than a personal cry for justice; it is a reflection of broader frustrations with a system that appears slow to respond to the needs of its citizens. The delayed response to the Maletino family’s appeal for answers and transparency is a stark reminder that justice delayed is justice denied.
As the one-year mark since the Maletino family’s letter approaches, their plea for accountability remains unanswered. The government’s continued silence not only deepens the family’s grief but also risks eroding public confidence in its leadership and institutions.
The family’s request for an independent and transparent investigation is not just about their son’s case—it is about restoring faith in justice and fairness in Samoa. It is time for the Prime Minister and the government to break their silence and take decisive action. Samoa deserves answers, and Tua’au’s family deserves justice.
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