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Samoa prison inmate says his wife and prison officer had an affair

A prisoner said his wife had an affair with a prison officer. The prisoner made the allegation before the Commission of Inquiry into Tafaigata Prison this week.But details are unknown because the allegation was made in a closed sitting of the commission which is into its fifth week of investigation.“All the sittings were in private and closed to members of the public due to the sensitivity of the issues being discussed,” an update of proceedings says.On Monday 4 November 2013, the Commission heard evidence from one current prisoner about his treatment in Tafaigata.He was followed by the evidence of Senior Sergeant Maui Pago Tanielu and Acting Assistant Commissioner Tunaimatia Faaesea Lautala.Senior Sergeant Pago and the Acting Assistant Commissioner gave evidence regarding allegations against them and other officers, amongst other things which were before the Commission from the evidence of former and current prisoners and other prison officers.On Tuesday 5 November 2013, the Commission heard again from the Acting head of the Professional Standards Unit (PSU), Superintendent Seiuli Lene regarding files relating to some incidents at Tafaigata which the PSU investigated.His evidence was followed by that of Assistant Commissioner for Prisons, Sala Uili Seaga Lafaele’s wife, Susi Lafaele who gave evidence regarding allegations against her and her husband made by some former prisoners.Her evidence was followed by that of Senior Constable Kalolo from the Criminal Investigation Division, who led CID’s search for a current prisoner who had escaped sometime this year. The escapee had alleged that one of the prison officers had an affair with his wife.The Commission’s last witness was former Constable Roma Leulua’iali’i.Mr. Leulua’ialii was one of two prison officers who were on duty and were later dismissed in relation to the incident in which a mental patient, Hans Dalton, who was taken to Tafaigata on 25 December 2012 to be held subsequently died the following day.Yesterday, the Commission heard from suspended Assistant Commissioner for Prisons, Sala Uili Seaga Lafaele. Sala was the only witness yesterday.His evidence will continue for the whole day today starting at 10am at District Court 1, Mulinuu.Last week the Commission heard from the last lot of prison officers from Tafaigata.