Prison boss denies rumours

By Lanuola Tusani Tupufia 04 August 2016, 12:00AM

The man dubbed as “Samoa’s most dangerous criminal,” Lautiiti Tualima, is safely behind bars.

This was confirmed by the Commissioner of Prisons and Correctional Services, Taitosaua Edward Winterstein, yesterday.

Contacted by the Samoa Observer for a comment, Taitosaua ended rumours that the criminal had escaped again. 

“Everyday we get calls from people raising the same concern,” said Taitosaua. 

“Even our Minister (of Prison) said he received numerous calls from the public in the middle of the night about the escape. He is still there (behind bars).”

He explained that the rumours began from an old story from the Samoa Observer being shared by people on social media, misleading the country that Tualima is at large. 

The Commissioner pointed out that Lauitiiti cannot escape again. 

“He knows the consequences of it,” said Taitosaua. “People might do something to him.”

But Taitosaua declined to comment on Prime Minister, Tuilaepa Sa’ilele Malielegaoi’s remarks about the authority and the Commissioner being negligent and foolish. 

Tuilaepa recently made the comments following an interview with 60Minutes Australia that questioned the facilities at Tafaigata and Tualima being able to escape atleast three times.  “What’s being said by the Prime Minister is what he says,” said Taitosaua.  “I cannot say anything else.”

By Lanuola Tusani Tupufia 04 August 2016, 12:00AM
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