Samoa prison service suspends outside work programmes

Samoa's prison service has suspended sending inmates to work outside, after a male prisoner was found drunk and a woman inmate became pregnant.

The justice ministry's chief executive, Palai'i John Taimalelagi Afele, said outside work programmes have been suspended until an investigation is completed.

Meanwhile two prisoners, who escaped from Tafa’igata Prison on Sunday, are still at large.

Pati Chong Nee and Aniseko Vaelei are considered dangerous.

Chong Nee is a notorious prison escapee. He and Vaelei are serving time at Tafaigata for a history of crimes including burglary, robbery and being armed with a dangerous weapon.

Samoa Police said they were notified of the prisoners by the Prisons and Correctional Services on Sunday morning.

The public has been asked to contact the Samoa Police on phone number 22222 or contact any police station or the Prisons Authority on phone number 23516 if they have any information of the escapees whereabouts.