Samoa’s Minister for Commerce Industry and Labor Faleomavaega Titimaea Tafua was officially charged on Monday afternoon in connection with a traffic accident over the weekend.
Samoa Observer reports Police Commissioner Auapaau Logoitino Filipo confirmed that the recently appointed minister was charged with negligent driving causing injury and dangerous driving.
Faleomavaega, who is a former Manu Samoa player and coach, was the sole occupant of an official government vehicle that was involved in a collision with another vehicle carrying four passengers.
One of the passengers in the other vehicle sustained serious injuries and was admitted to the Tupua Tamasese Meaole Hospital.
Auapaau confirmed that speeding was a factor in the collision at Le Mafa Pass on Saturday afternoon.
Faleomavaega is the member of parliament for Aleipata Itupa I Luga and was recently elevated to the ministerial post following the removal of four cabinet ministers.
The minister has since submitted his resignation, which has been accepted by the Head of State.
