A search is underway on Tongatapu for an escaped prisoner Vaha Afemeimo'unga (41). His Majesty’s Prisons stated this afternoon that the prisoner escaped from Hu’atolitoli Prison at about 11:00 am on Tuesday, 26 December.

HM Prisons are working together with Tonga Police to confirm whether or not the prisoner Afemeimo’unga is a criminal deportee.

Prisoner Afemeimo’unga was convicted for housebreaking, theft, and possession of utensils, and he also had previous convictions.

HM Prisons stated they had information that Prisoner Afemeimo’unga was in contact with some members of the public and ex-prisoners (female and male).

“Aiding an escaped prisoner is a serious criminal offence,” they warned.

Tonga Fire & Emergency Services has also been informed for assistance.

HM Prisons advised the public to call the following contacts if they have any information on Prisoner Afemeimo’unga’s location:

Officer-in-Charge, Superintendent of Prisons Kalavite Taufa: 7719248 or

Drugs Unit: 37327
Prisons Chaplain, Rev. Semisi Kava: 7738452
Main Charge Officer: 37810
Administration Officer: 37647