Translated from FaaSamoa. A mother has requested the Court’s leniency to release two of her sons on bail to attend their father’s funeral.
Peteli Su’a Kalolo and Kalolo Lemalie appeared before Justice Fepuleai Ameperosa Roma on Monday morning facing serious charges relating to possession of methamphetamine and illegal weapons.
The pair, along with Venasio Peteru, Lotofaga Leaega and Peter Yandall had been under police surveillance when they were caught selling drugs outside the Mulinuu Court house last month.
When the young men made their first appearance in Court this week, Prosecution were granted two weeks to finalise charges, so the defendants would be returned to Tanumalala and remain in police custody.
Unrepresented, Peteli Su’a Kalolo stood to make the request to Justice Roma.
Peteli Su’a Kalolo said he was the older brother of Kalolo Lemalie. He told the judge that his father’s body lay at Ligaligas funeral parlour awaiting final arrangements, and asked if they could be released.
Justice Fepuleai asked if his statement could be verified and that is when the defendants’ mother stood.
Faatuli Kalolo confirmed her husband’s body was at Ligaliga and pleaded with the Court to release her two sons saying she needed them to help with the funeral.
“E taua le talosaga, peitai, o lea o le ā faaaoga le maliu o le tamā e fa’aauala ai le tatala ai i tua o Peteli ma Kalolo, ae o lea e ogaoga tuuaiga e ui e lei faamautu moliaga a leoleo, ae o faamaumauga o lo’o i luma o le faamasinoga, e iai isi moliaga muamua i mea lava tau fualaau faasaina.”
Justice Fepuleai told the grieving mother that he did not take her request lightly, however, the charges against her sons were serious and according to Court records, they both have previous drug related convictions.
Justice Fepuleai agreed to hear a formal written submission to before the Court this Friday, to include a copy of the death certificate and proof that the defendants are the sons of the deceased.
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