prison escapees

Police are advising the public not to approach them as they are considered dangerous.

The two prisoners who are still at large are Aniseko Vaelei and Uili Manuleleua.

Included in the group that escaped is Lauititi Tualima who on an earlier escape from Tafaigata had raped an Australian tourist after tying up her and her fiance.

Recaptured with Tualima was Vaioa Solia.

Felise Ulugia from Vaiusu was returned to prison by his family on Saturday morning.

Ulugia is serving life imprisonment for murder.

“The second prisoner was Tony Eteuati and he was captured by village youth from Afega and they brought him into police custody,” said Police Spokesperson Sua Le Mamea Tiumalu.

“We take this chance to thank the support of the community especially the families for making our jobs easier and safer,” he said.

Eteuati is serving a sentence for breaking and entering and theft.

Last week, another prisoner escaped on the same day two other prisoners were recaptured.

One of the recaptured men, Lauititi Tualima, had previously escaped from Tafaigata in April, and is facing criminal charges related to the rape of an Australian woman a month ago.

He's also suspected of assulting a woman worker at the Faleolo International Airport tower whilst on the run.

Our correspondent, Autagavaia Tipi Autagavaia, says people do not feel assured of their safety.

Our correspondent says the escapees were found sleeping in an abandoned house at Afiamalu, outside of the capital Apia, after a resident informed the police.

One of the men, Lauititi Tualima, is facing criminal charges related to the rape of an Australian woman a month ago.