Escaped prisoner Lauititi Tualima remains at large as the Samoa Police confirmed that they have been unable to apprehend the fugitive.

Convicted rapist and burglar Tualima of Satapuala escaped from Tanumalala Prison on 23 January around 7 pm.

The SPPCS said they have received numerous phone calls and messages from members of the public inquiring about the search.

The police also confirmed receiving valuable information from the public with reported sightings of Lauititi in Satapuala and Faleolo areas. 

Tualima, now 32, was convicted of rape at the Lupe Sina Tree Resort in 2015, an incident which involved him tying up an Australian tourist and raping her in front of her husband. He was only 23 at the time.

“SPPCS prioritises public safety, and we advise that if you encounter the escaped prisoner, do not approach him," the police said in an updated release.

“Instead, contact the authorities immediately with any relevant information.

“Your support has been crucial and we encourage you to remain vigilant and report any further sightings immediately to the Police on 22222 or the Prisons Service at 23516.”

“We are deeply grateful for the assistance and information provided by the public so far."

On the other hand, another one of Samoa’s most wanted and the longest escaped criminal, Pati Chong Nee, continues to evade authorities and remains on the run for almost six years.

Chong Nee has been on the wanted list of the Samoa Police, Prisons, and Corrections Services (SPPCS) since January 2019, after he broke out of prison.

His disappearance has led to many theories about his whereabouts. These include his death in a secluded part of the country as well as assuming a different identity and relocating to American Samoa.