The Police have appealed for public assistance to locate two prisoners who remain at large following an escape from the Central Police Station in Nuku’alofa, announcing a reward of up to TOP$5,000 for information leading directly to the arrest of each fugitive.

Speaking at a special press conference at Police Headquarters today, Police Commissioner Geoff Turner recapped the escape, which occurred about 7.30pm on Sunday when three prisoners fled police custody. One of the escapees was recaptured in Mataika during the early hours of Tuesday, leaving two still outstanding.

Commissioner Turner said the operation to locate the remaining prisoners, known as Operation Trace, relies on community support. He urged anyone with information to contact Police on 922 or 7401656, stressing that members of the public should not approach the escapees themselves.

The Commissioner said the reward would only be paid for information that directly results in the capture of either prisoner. He also warned that anyone found harbouring or assisting the escapees could face penalties of up to 10 years’ imprisonment under Tonga’s law.

A parallel investigation by the Police Integrity Unit is examining how the prisoners escaped from custody. Commissioner Turner said investigators would follow the evidence wherever it leads and had not ruled out the possibility that the escape involved assistance from within the police service or from people outside the organisation.

He acknowledged that Police had previously identified security weaknesses in the holding cells at the Central Police Station. Discussions with a South African company to upgrade the facility were already scheduled, with a meeting planned by 30 August, but the escape occurred before the work could begin. Commissioner Turner said funding for the security improvements is already available, while investigations into the escape continue.