Police have launched an investigation after an infant was found dead in a river in southeast Upolu late Tuesday night.
In a media release, the Samoa Police, Prisons and Corrections Services confirmed that a report was received from the southeast of Upolu on Tuesday, 7 July 2026, regarding the discovery of a deceased infant.
Police said the infant was found in a river and was wrapped in a plastic bag.
“This matter is now under active investigation,” the police statement said. Police said the killing of a newborn, or infanticide, is a serious criminal offence under the Crimes Act 2013. The offence is punishable by imprisonment for a term not exceeding five years.
The Samoa Police, Prisons and Corrections Services urged members of the public to respect the sanctity of life and to seek lawful and compassionate alternatives when facing difficult circumstances.
