Murder Alleged In Samoa

LATU, a Samoan, 16, was charged in the High Court, Apia, on January 25, with the murder, at Satapuala, of Vasa, a Samoan.

Reports state that a quarrel took place regarding a girl, and as a result Vasa, a much older man, threatened Latu on two occasions. The men met on a plantation track. Words were exchanged, and both slashed at each other with knives. Vasa was wounded, and pursued Latu, brandish ing a knife and shouting threats. When overtaken, it was alleged, Latu turned and struck a second blow, which severed Vasa’s hand above the wrist, and a third blow, which split Vasa’s skull. The injured man died on reaching hospital.