Samoa's Ministry of Education, Sports and Culture closed Avele College in Apia on Friday for the protection and security of its students.

The St Joseph's Day sports at St Joseph's College were cancelled to send a message to students that the behaviour at the brawl is unacceptable.

The director of Catholic education in Samoa, Aeau Chris Hazelman, met Don Bosco's principal and other senior officers of the schools to devise a way forward.

On Wednesday, Samoan police arrested three students and more arrests were made on Thursday.

This followed further brawling at the bus terminal behind the burnt flea market at Savalalo.

Mr Hazelman issued an apology to the whole Samoan nation.

Speaking on behalf of the Catholic schools involved, he said there is no excuse for the students' behaviour.

"We have decided to let the law carry its course and we will support the police in their investigation," he said.

Police reported that students with links to the violence used social media sites like Facebook to post videos and pictures.

Mr Hazelman asked parents to more closely monitor social media activity by their children.

Late last year, police in Samoa were called on to intervene after ongoing fights between school students at the Tafusi Markets.

Three years ago, an increasing number of brawls and student fights prompted the Samoan Ministry of Education to push Bible studies in public schools as a counter measure.

Sources

• Radio New Zealand
• Radio New Zealand
• Radio New Zealand
• Samoa Observer
• Image: Radio New Zealand

Speaking earlier in the week Fa'asavalu said: 'We are from the same club in Samoa -the Marist club in Apia. I used to play against Alesana in school games and then at the weekend I would play for Marist with Henry Tuilagi. I was at St Joseph's College in Apia and Alesana went to Chanel College.

"These days he is a winger but back then when we played against each other, he was at No 12. He was a big boy!"

The Tuilagi family has strong connections with Leicester Tigers; Alex's brothers Henry, Anitelea (Andy), and Fereti (Freddie) are all former players and two younger brothers, Vavae and Manu Tuilagi both played in a game for Leicester Tigers against the Classic All-Blacks, on the 25 May 2008.

Source

• Mail Online
• Wikipedia
• Image: The Guardian

Assistant Police Commissioner Le'aupepe Fatu Pula said ten students were arrested from Fugalei Market after a fight erupted between students from Leifiifi College and St Josephs College.

"Their charges will be finalized as soon as the investigations are completed, before bail is considered."

Leaupepe said they are expected to appear in court to answer to charges on December 8.

"The business community has voiced their concerns with our office in fear of another violent school brawl erupting and the damage it would cause to their properties. This is the main reason why once students are caught in such activities they are immediately arrested because the Ministry is looking out for the benefit and safety of the general public," he said.

Source

• samoaobserver.ws
• Image: wormulon.net