The death of a four-month-old baby is under the microscope of the Ministry of Police and Prisons. The infant was discharged from the hospital on Saturday, diagnosed with pneumonia however, on Sunday the baby died.
The criminal investigation was confirmed by Deputy Police Commissioner Auapaau Logoitino Filipo in response to questions from Radio Polynesia this evening.
“I can only confirm that we are investigating the death of the infant, but I can’t go into details given the matter is under investigation.”
But Police Officers told Radio Polynesia, the baby was discharged to seek a Samoan fofo on Saturday. On Sunday the baby died.
“The family was on their way to bury the baby at the A’ana Alofi District when they were stopped at the Police checkpoint, and diverted back to the hospital, while the Criminal Investigation Division was contacted.
This is how the investigation was initiated into the infant’s death,” said a Senior Police Officer that was present at the checkpoint yesterday.
Auapaau declined to comment when asked how this matter came to light and whether the Police are requesting an autopsy.
“As I said earlier, the investigation is underway and I can’t offer any further comments. The family is grieving and we have opted not to release any information until such a time that is appropriate,” he said.
Efforts were made to get comments from Acting Director General Tagaloa Robert Thomsen and Minister of Health, Valasi Tafito Selesele but were unsuccessful as of press time.
