Mother denies son’s link to Wailoku robbery

A mother has come forward to strongly deny claims circulating on social media that her son was involved in a robbery in Wailoku earlier this week, saying the allegations are false and distressing for her family.

Salaseini Vasuwaqa, the mother of Usaia Tavutu, said her son was photographed at the time of his arrest and wrongly identified online as one of the suspects linked to a robbery that occurred on December 28, 2025.

The incident involved four suspects who allegedly robbed a van driver near a row of shops in Wailoku.

Ms Vasuwaqa said her son was not at the scene when the robbery took place.

“By the time the incident happened, my child was at home sleeping,” she said.

“People are making assumptions on social media without knowing the truth, and that is hurting innocent families.”

She said it was unfair that her son’s photograph was shared online and that he was vilified as one of the robbery suspects.

According to the family, police arrived at their home early Tuesday morning and arrested Usaia, taking him to the police station for questioning.

Usaia said he cooperated fully with police during the arrest.

“I was surprised when the police came for me, but I went with them because I have nothing to hide,” he said.

Ms Vasuwaqa said she was not at home when her son was taken into custody.

“I was at one of our grandmother’s houses. When I returned home, I was told he had already been taken by police,” she said.

Police have since confirmed that one of the four suspects was discharged and returned home, while three others have been charged with aggravated robbery.

Ms Vasuwaqa has appealed to the public to allow the justice process to take its course.

“I ask people to stop judging based on rumours and let the law do its job,” she said.

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