A prisoner who escaped from Tafa’igata last December, Uili Manuleleua, is back behind bars. He surrendered himself to the Police during the weekend. 

“He’s now back in the custody of Prison Correction and Services, thanks to the assistance by the Vaimoso Village Council,” said Police Superintendent Auapa’au Logoitino Filipo.

“His family brought him into the Police Station Saturday night and he has been charged accordingly.” 

Manuleleua had escaped from jail with Lauititi Tualima, Vaioa Solia and Aniseko Vaelei just before Christmas. In February, the Vaimoso Village Council offered to help the Police, since Manuleleua, had connections to the village.

“Manuleleua has been charged with escape from lawful custody and possession of narcotics. Police found drugs in his possession when conducting routine search when he was brought in,” said Auapa’au. 

Policies Committee Chairman for Vaimoso Village Council, Aulavemai Asiata Tafito, told the Samoa Observer since the escape of Manuleleua, they have been working with the family. 

“This prisoner is a son of Vaimoso and if anyone in the village knows his whereabouts they should come forward and inform the Police. 

“Penalties will be levelled against anyone in the village who knows any information, but does not come forward. We have met with the Manuleleua family on many occasions and this led to the surrender of Uili to the Police over the weekend.”

Uili is serving time for several burglary cases.

The Minister of Prisons and Correctional Services Tialavea Tionisio Hunt told the Samoa Observer that Manuleleua’s decision to escape is puzzling.

“He escaped around 5am, yet he was supposed to be released around 8am the same day. It’s puzzling as to why he did not wait until 8am to sign the proper documents for his release from jail.”