Olo calls on removal of Prisons management

22 February 2018, 12:00AM

Member of Parliament, Olo Fiti Vaai, has called on Prime Minister Tuilaepa Sa’ilele Malielegaoi to remove the management of the Samoa Prisons and Corrections Services. 

“It has been three months since prisoner escapee, Uili Manuleleua remains on the run," he said.

“How can this happen in Samoa where everyone knows everyone? 

“Something is not right, with what has happened. This inmate escaped last year December, it’s now heading into the last week of February and Manuleleua is still out there.  

“Only in Samoa where inmates escape and then return on their own to the prison,” he said. 

“I cannot understand or fathom how this can occur in our country. 

“It is not like Samoa is a big place, yet the Prisons and the Police cannot find one inmate,” said the furious M.P. 

“It appears from the lack of efforts into finding Uili, the prisons takes this issue lightly, yet inmates who break out of jail have a tendency of burglarising homes, yet they should have been held behind bars.

“The management needs to step down if they cannot do their job,” said Olo. 

“The unaccounted inmate should have been behind bars and not scavenging around the country,” he said. 

Manuleleua is serving time for several burglary cases. 

Last month, Prime Minister Tuilaepa slammed the poor management of the Tafa’igata Prison as one of the reasons prisoners keep running away. 

He has also hit out at what he has described as unfit prison guards, saying they need to get in shape so they can catch the prisoners.

“I have advised the Commissioner to put the Correction Officer through some exercise or physical activities. 

“They should be dropped off in Apia at 7a.m. and they should run all the way to Tafaigata.” 

At the time, Tuilaepa said he is unhappy about the fact prisoners keep escaping at will.

“I am shocked at the Commissioner for hiring them,” he said about the unfit Prison guards. “They should retire because it’s useless for them to work. 

“My challenge to the Minister is to remove those Correction officers who are like sumo wrestlers and are weak.” 

Last year December, Manuleleua joined Lauititi Tualima, Vaioa Solia and Aniseko Vaelei when they escaped.

The same day, all the inmates were recaptured with the help of members of the public, accept for Manuleleua. 

Media Spokesperson and Police Superintendent, Auapa’au Logoitino Filipo, says they are working on new leads, however nothing concrete yet. 

He reiterated they depend on public information for assistance. 

“We have received tips from the public, however it does not pan out and we’re back at square one." 

“We advise members of the public not to approach him directly because he is considered aggressive and dangerous,” said Auapa’au. 

“If anyone knows of any information in regards to his whereabouts please contact the police immediately on phone 911 or 22222 or contact any nearest Police post.”

Efforts to get a comment yesterday from Samoa Prisons and Corrections Services Deputy Commissioner, Ulugia Niuia Aumua, have been unsuccessful as of press time.

22 February 2018, 12:00AM
Samoa Observer

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