Prisoners wanted to go home due to Covid says Police

By Talaia Mika

APIA, SAMOA – 30 MARCH 2022: The prisoners’ failed attempt to escape from the Tanumalala prison yesterday morning was due to one reason.

They just wanted to go home to see their families as they feared catching Covid inside prison.

The Deputy Police Commissioner, Afamasaga Samuelu Afamasaga told Talamua this may just be an excuse as there have been no positive cases inside the Tanumalala prison since the outbreak.

“We’ve conducted investigations and questioned the prisoners who tried to escape and the only answer they gave us was that they wanted to see their families who have been affected with Covid-19,” said Afamasaga.

“But that could just be an excuse as we’ve completed tests and have in place the necessary precautions and there have been no positive cases in the prison so far.”

Since the community outbreak, no visitors had been allowed at the Tanumalala prison.

According to Afamasaga, over 20 prisoners tried to escape yesterday morning and they only broke down a door to one of the prison cells.

No prisoner was able to escape.