23 Apr 2018

Samoan police warn travelers after roadblocks

1:50 pm on 23 April 2018

Samoan police have issued a warning to people travelling through or near the village of Luatuanu'u to remain alert after reports of roadblocks and rocks being thrown at passing vehicles.

Samoa police badge bearing the country's public seal which reads "Faavae i Le Atua Samoa" which translates to English as "God be the Foundation of Samoa"

Samoa police badge bearing the country's public seal which reads "Faavae i Le Atua Samoa" which translates to English as "God be the Foundation of Samoa" Photo: RNZI/ Koroi Hawkins

Last month, police were injured while trying to clear a blockade formed by village youth on the road to the east of the capital of Apia.

Police told the Samoa Observer that they received calls last week from travellers concerned at a new roadblock at Luatuanu'u.

A toilet bowl was reportedly placed in the middle of the road along with rocks.

Officers were sent to the scene where they were told by a local spokesperson that the village would handle the matter, the police said.

The unknown suspects had fled the scene after removing the makeshift roadblock.

However it was also discovered that a private vehicle sustained moderate damage and rocks had been thrown at other vehicles.

The Police warned that anyone charged for such crimes would "be prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law".