Questions have been raised over the timing of a Government statement announcing the dismissal of Vaimauga No. 3 by-election candidate Vaiofuaiupolu Chris Fa’aofo after an Attorney General’s Office letter surfaced showing Police had already concluded their investigation more than two months earlier.
On 9 September, the Government Press Secretariat announced that Cabinet had confirmed Vaiofuaiupolu termination from his position as Assistant Chief Executive Officer of Information Technology at the Land Transport Authority (LTA). The statement said the decision followed an internal investigation into breaches of his employment contract and added that the matter had been referred to Police for further investigation.
However, the Human Rights Protection Party (HRPP) subsequently posted a letter purported to be from Attorney General Mauga Precious Chang dated 6 July 2026. The letter states that Police investigations into allegations concerning Mr Fa’aofo had been completed and that there was insufficient evidence to support any criminal charges.
According to the Attorney General letter, Mr Fa’aofo was cleared of any suspicion arising from the allegations investigated by Police and no further criminal action would be taken.
The timing of the two documents has become a matter of public debate, particularly as Mr Fa’aofo is contesting the Vaimauga No. 3 by-election under the Human Rights Protection Party banner.
While the Attorney General’s letter deals with the outcome of a criminal investigation, the Government statement relates to an employment decision following an internal review by the LTA. Employment and criminal processes are separate, and disciplinary action can occur even where criminal charges are not laid.
However, the release of the July letter has prompted questions about why the September statement referred to a Police investigation without mentioning that Police had already concluded their inquiries months earlier.
It remains unclear whether the allegations investigated by Police were the same allegations that led to the LTA Board recommending Mr Fa’aofo’s dismissal.
As the by-election campaign continues, attention is likely to remain on the timing of the disclosures and whether the public was provided with the full context surrounding the case.