Vanuatu Minister of Health John Still Tari Qetu was arrested in Port Vila Wednesday and charged with intentional assault and causing public disorder over an incident that occurred in July last year.
Police confirmed that they arrested the minister around midday and took him into custody at the police station, where he provided a sworn statement.
Daily Post spoke to the complainant Wednesday, who confirmed that he officially lodged a complaint with the police in 2024. He said he understood that the investigation took time due to national emergencies such as the devastating December earthquake in Port Vila and the snap election.
The complainant stated that the incident occurred while he was on his way home after he went to Club Lit. He said he saw a young man assaulting a young woman outside the Grand Hotel & Casino and attempted to intervene. According to him, the minister and his driver then arrived and assaulted him.
He alleged that Qetu punched him in the head, causing him to fall.
“It was then that the minister (allegedly) sat on my back, preventing me from moving, while his driver started kicking my head. They left me unconscious, but I was fortunate that the Grand Hotel security staff intervened and helped me,” he said.
“The reason I stopped the boy from beating the girl was because I recognised her. She is the daughter of one of Qetu’s former government colleagues. I believe she was with the minister and his driver at the Grand Hotel, which is why they attacked me—thinking I was with the boy who assaulted her.”
He further alleged that a group of bystanders later confronted the minister and his driver near D’Dock and assaulted Qetu, while his driver fled with the minister’s official vehicle.
Regarding a possible settlement outside court, the complainant and his relatives told the Daily Post that this would not happen.
“My mother and father are devoted church members, and they attempted to resolve the matter through customary reconciliation. However, the minister rejected this approach, so there will be no out-of-court settlement. As a minister and leader, he must face the consequences of his actions in court,” he said.
Minister Qetu appeared in court for remand and was granted bail.
Meanwhile, the complainant also intends to lodge a complaint with the Ombudsman’s Office, requesting an investigation into the minister for potential breaches of the Leadership Code Act [CAP. 240].
