Two dangerous prisoners on the run again

Apia, Samoa – 30 May 2025 – Two of Samoa’s most dangerous prisoners are on the run again.

They are Lauititi Tualima, aged 33 years of Satapuala and Luatuanuu who escaped from Tafaigata prison two months ago and several police officers were disciplined for their part in the escape. He was later found with a family inland of Vaitele and it is not certain whether anyone was charged for harbouring him.

Lauititi placed Samoa on a negative light on the Current Affairs Programme 60 Minutes, after he raped an Australian woman who was on holiday in Samoa with her partner.

He had also escaped from prison at the time and has a long prison term to serve for Burglary, Theft, Rape, Escape, Aggravated Robbery, Possession of Narcotics, Grievous Bodily Harm and Assault.

The other prisoner is Aniseko Vaelei (also known as Aniseko Pritchard), aged 28 years from Vaiusu and Aele.

He had also escaped from orison several times with a long prison term to serve for Burglary, Theft, Escape, Threat to Kill, Insulting Words, Grievous Bodily Harm, Possession of Narcotics, Robbery and Aggravated Burglary.

Police is offering a $5,000 reward for information leading directly to the arrest of both escapees.

Police is warning the public not to attempt to approach them as they are considered dangerous. But to contact Police at 22222 or report their whereabouts to the nearest Police station.

Police is also warning that harbouring or assisting an escaped prisoner is a criminal offence.

Police also said that an internal investigation has been conducted into how the prisoners escaped from Tanumalala Prison. Findings will be reviewed and appropriate actions taken to strengthen prison security.