Five Police Officers Suspended from Tanumalala Prison  

By Lagi Keresoma/

Apia, Samoa – 01 March 2025 – Five police officers have been suspended from the Tanumalala Prison due to their negligence that resulted in the escape of notorious prisoner Lauititi Tualima from the prison in February.

Police Commissioner Auapaau Logoitino Filipo confirmed the suspensions are from one to two weeks, and are disciplinary measures based on the weight of their role in the prisoners’ escape.

He said all 5 officers admitted to their negligence.

Auapaau also confirmed continuing investigations into those who harboured Lauititi while he was on the run. He did not discuss the $5,000 tala reward that Police offered for anyone with information to help the prisoners capture.

“One of the suspects is an ex-convict who assisted Lauitiiti’s movements from Satapuala village to Aele where he was caught and police are also investigating the rental house where police apprehended him,” said Auapaau.

Police labelled Lauititi a dangerous prisoner who is currently serving prison time for a multitude of offences which will end in 2042.

He has also to serve a separate prison sentence for the attack of an Australian couple who were on holiday in Samoa and gave the tourism industry a negative image when the incident was featured on the Australian 60 Minutes Current Affairs Program.