The discovery of clothing items belonging to escaped felon Lautiti Tualima near the Sheraton Mulifanua Beach Resort has led to the police issuing a warning to hotels to be on guard as the escapee could be targeting tourists again.

The last time Tualima escaped he tied up two Australian tourists, held them captive at knifepoint and raped one of them.

Tualima has a long history of violent offences. He escaped from prison over a week ago and authorities are intensifying efforts to locate him.

In response to queries from this newspaper, Police Commissioner Auapa’au Logoitino Filipo provided new details regarding the ongoing search. 

According to Auapa’au, a bag containing Tualima’s clothes and personal belongings was recently discovered near the Sheraton Samoa Beach Resort in Mulifanua, raising concerns that the fugitive may be hiding or preparing to strike again, potentially targeting tourists staying at local hotels.

“We are asking all hoteliers and their security personnel to be extremely vigilant,” said Auapa’au. 

“Tualima is a dangerous individual, and we believe he may be planning another attack. We urge the public to cooperate fully with the police and immediately report any sightings of him to the nearest police station.”

Authorities are continuing to piece together how Tualima managed to escape, but so far, no further details have been made public. 

What is clear, however, is that the escapee is considered highly dangerous and should not be approached. The police are actively working to gather more information and are asking the public to come forward with any leads.

Tualima offences include burglary, theft, robbery, breaking and entering, rape, and grievous bodily harm. Tualima’s most recent conviction came after he admitted to raping an Australian tourist, for which he was sentenced to an additional 18 years, tacked onto an earlier 20-year sentence. 

His total sentence exceeded 40 years for his various crimes.

Given the severity of his crimes, including previous escape attempts, authorities have emphasised that Tualima poses a significant threat to public safety. 

"We are not only looking for a fugitive but a person with a long history of violence," said Auapa’au. “His track record makes him a danger to everyone, especially vulnerable individuals like tourists and girls.”

In light of the escape, police have warned the public about the serious legal consequences of assisting Tualima in evading capture. "Anyone found harboring or helping him escape will face criminal charges, including imprisonment," Auapa’au stressed.

The search for Tualima continues, and authorities remain determined to apprehend him as soon as possible. The police have urged everyone to stay vigilant and report any suspicious activity or potential sightings of the fugitive immediately.