By Lagi Keresoma
APIA, SAMOA – 30 MAY 2022: The head of the Police Tactical Operational Services (TOS), Senior Sergeant Tagaloasa Toddy Iosefa is under investigation after an incident at last Saturday’s police escort of the visiting Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Peoples Republic of China, to the Taumeasina Resort.
The investigation is prompted by a complaint by an official of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade (MFAT) and the police officers who were on duty and were called in to the police headquarters in the weekend to file reports on the incident.
One of the eyewitnesses at the scene of the incident said they were shocked when Tagaloasa started yelling and uttering harsh words at some of the officers in a very loud voice in the presence of the visiting Minister.
The witness said said the visiting Minister was seen to be shocked and stood still for a minute and his security reacted quickly and moved towards him.
The incident prompted one of MFAT’s officials present to inform one of the senior police officers about the “unprofessional attitude” displayed.
Talamua has also learnt that prior to the incident at the Taumeasina resort, there was another incident involving the escort motorcade from the Faleolo airport that caused confusion with the police officers on duty on the way to Apia.
A report is also expected of the motorcade incident.
