The mass breakout from Samoa’s main prison has claimed its first casualty with the reported resignation of Commissioner of Prisons and Corrections Services less than 24 hours after the incident.
Samoa Observer reports Corrections Minister Tialavea Tionisio Hunt had confirmed Taitosaua Edward Winterstein’s resignation.
Taitosaua has only just been back at his post since February after being on a five month suspension for the escape of two notorious prisoners.
Yesterday’s escape saw 29 prisoners rioting and beating up prison guards then destroying the communications room of the new multi million tala prison before walking out armed with machetes, iron bars and bricks.
All except four have been recaptured; the four are still at large.
Five prisoners and one prison guard were admitted at Tupua Tamasese Meaole hospital with injuries.
Police Commissioner Fuiavailili Egon Keil said on TV3 this morning the escapees managed to demolish the telecommunications system, turn off the main switchboard and steal a police radio before they left Tanumalala Prison.
They also broke into the women cell block and attempted to break into the custody block but were unsuccessful.
Taitosua said the evening guards were ambushed on their rounds in the prison and were attacked with bricks, rocks and iron bars.
Their makeshift weapons had been around the prison for landscaping purposes.
Four of the guards inside were seriously injured and one of them was admitted into the intensive care unit because he collapsed as a result of his injuries. The others had their heads smashed with bricks, rocks and iron bars said the warden.
