1 Oct 2019

Three charged with arson over Samoa house fire

2:28 pm on 1 October 2019

Two more men have been arrested by Samoa Police over the burning down of a family home at Taelefaga village last week.

Samoan police headquarters in Apia

Samoan police headquarters in Apia Photo: RNZI/Sally Round

Police Commissioner Fuiavailili Egon Keil had confirmed that a total of three men have now been arrested and charged with arson over the fire, Talamua Online reported.

It's alleged the house was torched after differences between owner Fialele Amataga and some of his relatives after he tried to bury his wife on family land.

The court was told Fialele had returned from overseas to bury his wife on family land but was banished by the village.

He sought help from the Land and Title Court which told the village not to interfere with Fialele's plans.

His deceased wife was buried last Wednesday and Fialele's house was set on fire on Thursday night.

Family spokesperson Toilolo Ropeti told Talamua Online they are taking legal action against the village council and that they strongly village involvement in the burning.