Police have charged five individuals who assaulted a woman while she was tied to a steel pole as shown in a video of the horrific incident widely circulated on social media.
Acting Police Commissioner Leiataua Samuelu Afamasaga confirmed the perpetrators are family members of Samoa’s most notorious criminal, the late Tagaloasa Filipaina, who passed away while serving life sentences for two murders.
“Yes they are Filipaina’s relatives, the elder woman who was seen in the video is Filipaina’s sister,” said the Acting Commissioner.
The disturbing video on social media had shown a woman being tied to a steel pole while being assaulted by five people.
One person is beating her with a large wooden stick while another is securing her to a pole with more rope.
The woman is heard begging for them to stop while the elderly woman is seen cutting the victim’s hair with a pair of scissors.
Leiataua said, the eldest of the perpetrators is 62 while the youngest is 25 years old.
“The attackers have been identified as four women and a man, and they are all relatives of the victim’s husband.”
“They are facing charges of kidnapping, assault, grievous bodily harm, causing injury, and armed with a dangerous weapon,” he said.
The Ministry of Police issued a statement on their Fb page on the 12th of November, stating that they are aware of the disturbing video being circulated on social media showing the attack which occurred on Friday 31st October.
The public statement went on to state that the Ministry strongly condemns all forms of violence and abuse and that there is no place for domestic violence in our families or communities.
The victim is currently under the care of the Samoa Victim Support Group as well as the Ministry of Police.
All five perpetrators are currently on bail and will appear in Court next week.
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