4 Dec 2003

Two Samoan police suspended over alleged assault

5:45 pm on 4 December 2003

Two Samoan police officers have been suspended in Apia after allegedly assaulting a member of the public.

The assistant police commissioner, Boe Ualesi, says the constables were placed on indefinite leave a month ago after a complaint by a local man.

"They hold one of the guys in the town area and you know a complaint naturally went to the police authority, and as a result of the inquiry they were suspended."

Mr Ualesi says it appears the officers used excessive force but the complainant did not sustain any injuries.

However he says no officer is above the law and the two will appear in court charged with assault.

He says a third constable is also under internal investigation for an unrelated offence and inquiries are continuing into the matter.