Kolani Junior Lam, charged with murder in connection with the death of his wife, the late Sa’u Justina Sa’u, has been denied bail by the Supreme Court of Samoa.
The decision was handed down by His Honour Chief Justice, Patu Tiavasu’e Falefatu Sapolu following a bail hearing last week.
During the bail hearing, the prosecutors told the Court that Lam had sent a letter with a hundred tala enclosed, to one of the witnesses.
In delivering the decision, Chief Justice Patu said he will not read out his reasons but will only state his conclusion.
“As I am satisfied that there is a real and significant risk that the applicant may interfere with police witnesses if granted bail and there is no other matter that would make it unjust to continue to detain the applicant,” he said.
In an interview with the grieving mother of the deceased, Sofia Fa’asamoa supported the Court’s decision.
“I’m very happy with the decision,” she said.
“I believe it is the right decision but it still doesn’t change the fact that I miss my daughter.
“She was my right hand and she is sorely missed.”
The matter has been adjourned to next week Monday for re-mention and to set a hearing date for February next year.
