Convicted murderer back in Samoan court on theft charges

Apia, SAMOA — The man convicted of the 1999 murder of Samoan Cabinet Minister Luagalau Levaula Kamu, has appeared in court on theft charges.

Alatise Leafa appeared this morning and pleaded not guilty to two charges for stealing over 200 cartons of beer worth more than $US6000 from a distributor in Savai'i.

A second defendant, Fagatua Niupou, also pleaded not guilty to the charges.

According to police, the thefts were carried out in August 2017 and February 2018.

Leafa has been on parole since 2010, but the court did not accept a submission from the Attorney General's office for him to be remanded in custody

for breach of conditions.

Justice Leilani Tuala-Warren says Leafa was still innocent until proven guilty and offers no risk.

A hearing is scheduled for 8 October.