The Police Commissioner Fuiavailiili Egon Keil has warned members of the public against harbouring prison escapee Pati Chong Nee. 

He said anyone found to be harbouring the prison escapee will be charged and dealt with by the law. 

The 29-year-old escapee remains at large since he fled prison for the second time on Sunday, January 24 with fellow criminal convict Aniseko Vaelei. 

Vaelei had since been recaptured with $10,000 cash in his possession. Prosecution had yet to finalise charges against Vaelei when he appeared before the Supreme Court this week.    

Fuiavailiili said it appears Chong Nee has gone off the radar and it is possible that someone is harbouring him. 

“We are still looking for him and of course our main goal is to get this guy back. It is very unfortunate and we are getting information that he is either going back deep in the woods or someone is harbouring him. 

"Just a word to those harbouring the individual if we do find out you have been harbouring this individual you will be charged as well," he said. 

The Police Commissioner urged the public to contact the Police if they have any information that could lead to the capture of Chong Nee. 

He also confirmed that Chong Nee had previously escaped for a year and was later found at Lake Lagitoto. 

“So we have looked at numerous sights and can’t seem to find him. We are hoping to bring him back in custody as soon as possible - that is our aim.” 

Chong Nee was sentenced to five years and three months imprisonment in June last year, for three separate burglary and theft incidents he was involved with when he escaped at that time. He was recaptured and taken back to Tafaigata prison to serve his time. 

From the villages of Aleisa and Afiamalu, Chong Nee is also a suspect in a series of theft and burglary incidents that took place in Moamoa and Vailoa last month.