Radio New Zealand - Te Reo Irirangi o Aotearoa

Two Samoa police officers sacked over NZ man’s jail death

Posted at 02:52 on 05 February, 2013 UTC

Two Samoa police officers have been sacked as a result of a police tribunal hearing into charges of negligence relating to the death of a New Zealand man in custody last December.

38 year old Hans Dalton died on Boxing Day and another prisoner has been charged with his murder.

Mr Dalton was being kept in Tafaigata prison for his safety on the advice of a local psychiatrist.

The police spokesman and assistant police commissioner, Leaupepe Fatu Pula, says the sackings are the outcome of an internal investigation.

Another officer who is facing similar charges has denied the allegations.

His case before the tribunal has been adjourned to allow him to seek witnesses to support his defence or to consult a lawyer to represent him.