Police on the Independence parade

By Unumoe Esera

APIA: 14 June 2012: Three police officers appeared in the District Court this week on separate charges.

Inspector Uelese Lolo, 50 years old from Lepea is facing two counts of official corruption. Prosecution requested that the matter be adjourned for one week without plea in order to complete investigations. The application was granted and the matter will be re-mentioned on the 19^th June. Inspector Lolo was a warden at the Tafa’igata prison.

Sergeant Kirk Gale, 39 years old from Vaivase-uta is charged for false pretense. His counsel Treena Atoa requested an adjournment to obtain full instructions from her client before proceeding with the matter. Gale will appear again before the District Court on the 26^th June.

Constable Sharon Lopa’u, 30 years old from Tafaigata pleaded not guilty to charges of assault and armed with a dangerous weapon. The incident is alleged to have occurred at the Vaitele market where the defendant is said to have assaulted another female. The matter has been adjourned to the 8^th October for hearing.

Judge Mata Tuatagaloa presided over the proceedings.