A pathologist from Fiji has arrived in the Country to conduct autopsies for nine bodies at the morgue.
Police Commissioner Auapa’au Logoitino Filipo said they are working on a permanent solution to ensure that bodies are not piled up at the morgue.
He said the autopsies should be completed by next week and the Fijian pathologist will return to Fiji.
Auapa’au said they will soon advertise their pathologist position locally and overseas.
He said not having a pathologist is a longstanding issue and the Ministry is moving to ensure there is a pathologist on the island.
This is the second time this year the Ministry contracted a pathologist from Fiji. In June the pathologists conducted eight autopsies after a woman made a public plea to release the body of her pregnant daughter who allegedly died at the hands of her husband last December.
Makerita Lefao told Radio Polynesia at the time, they have been patient but where does the line draw?
“It is not our fault there is no forensic pathologist on Island to conduct the autopsy ordered by the Coroner, her body is deteriorating and I cannot sit idle when that is happening.”
The pregnant woman was allegedly stabbed by her husband Edward Ulberg of Vailoa Faleata who pleaded not guilty to the charges of assault and murder. He is currently behind bars at the Tanumalala Prison.
Mrs Lefao told Radio Polynesia, that their family has been to the Ministry of Police and Prison for assistance on many occasions pleading to release her daughter’s body for burial.
