A High Chief and two untitled men have been arrested and charged following a dispute in the village of Mutiatele Aleipata last Friday, that led to the burning down of the Village Mayor’s residence.
This was confirmed by Deputy Police Commissioner Auapa’au Logoitino Filipo in response to questions from Radio Polynesia.
He said the Chief has been charged with arson and the two men are facing assault charges, threatening words, and attempted arson.
The Deputy Commissioner also confirmed the house in question was burnt to the ground. Two have been released on bail while one remains in the custody of the Police at Tanumalala.
Auapa’au declined to further comment on the matter noting that a Police investigation is underway.
However, people in the village told Radio Polynesia the incident is a result of a dispute between Chiefs in the villages and the village mayor.
