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Inquest into NZ navy sailor’s disappearance begins in Samoa

Apia, SAMOA — An inquest into the death of a New Zealand Navy sailor, Kilino Joseph Lemafo'e Tua, 24, who went missing last year while visiting family in Samoa started yesterday.

Tua was last seen at the To Sua trench. 

Up until now, no one knows how he disappeared. His body has also not been found.

Yesterday, the matter was brought before District Court Judge Alalatoa Rosella Viane Papalii. Senior Sergeant Kenneth Komiti is representing the Attorney General’s Office.

Tua’s uncle, Sola Ati Nepa, was called. A written statement from him was read in open Court.

According to Sola, it was on Saturday 29 April 2017 when his nephew went missing. “He arrived on Friday 28th April, 2017 to Samoa and we saw him,” he said.

“He went and did his booking at the Taumeasina and then he came back at around 5pm that day. He left again to go to the gym and he came home around 11pm that night; we were talking and then I went to bed."

“On Saturday 29th April, 2017, my family woke up at 6am to get ready for Mass and he was awake as well."

“He told me he wanted to go to a tourist site and the only clothes he wore were pink shorts because he wasn’t ready at the time."

Judge Alalatoa adjourned the matter to 20 June, 2018.

Read more at Samoa Observer