Two men are being charged in connection with the alleged beating of another man over a car part borrowed by the victim’s uncle. The victim ended up in ICU for two days before he was transferred to the Surgical Ward for further treatment.

The two men, Finau Aleluia and Luapo Manu made their initial appearances in District Court two weeks ago.

They are each charged with second-degree assault and felonious restraint, both class D felonies, punishable by imprisonment of up to 5 years, a fine of up to $5,000, or both. They are also each charged with third degree assault, a class A misdemeanor.

Each man is being held on a $15,000 bond, with the usual caveats, including not making any direct or indirect contact with the victim or any of the government’s witnesses.

THE ALLEGATION

The government claims that on Dec. 18, 2020, a couple contacted the Tafuna Substation about a possible assault involving two men who allegedly assaulted another man in Tafuna during a drinking sessions. Several police responded to the call.

The victim, a 37-year-old father of three, works as a electrician for a local construction company. Allegedly, the victim was asked by Manu for the whereabouts of his uncle.

Manu told the victim that his uncle borrowed a car part from his (Manu) mechanic shop to use for his car without Manu’s permission. The victim told Manu that he would notify his uncle about the car part.

The way the victim responded did not sit well with Manu. Manu walked over to the victim and punched him in the face. The victim turned around and punched Manu causing Manu to fall down. As the victim was about to walk away, Manu’s friend, Alelua, the co-defendant in this matter intervened and pushed the victim to the ground before he punched the victim in the face.

While the victim was lying on the ground, Aleluia held the victim down to keep him from running away while Manu was assaulting him by kicking his face, back and stomach. Manu then used a hard object to strike the victim on the head. The victim sustained serious injuries to his head, facial area and body.

Manu and Aleluia were arrested by police and later charged.