Convicted murderer still on the run

AUCKLAND: Convicted murderer Katrina Epiha has now been on the run for a week.

The 22yearold escaped custody while being transferred from Middlemore Hospital back to prison early on September 11.

She was last seen running towards Gray Ave in Mangere, South Auckland, about 12.30am that day.

A week later, she remains on the run and it seems authorities are no closer to finding her.

Epiha was convicted of fatally stabbing Alicia Maree Nathan (32) and threatening to kill another woman at a property in Avonhead, Christchurch, when she was a teenager in 2017.

Epiha is considered dangerous and the public have been warned not to approach her.

She has a piercing on her nose and another under the left side of her mouth, and two distinctive tattoos across her face.

Earlier this week, it was revealed she managed to get away despite being handcuffed to one of two Corrections officers she was with.

Department of Corrections regional commissioner Lynette Cave said in a statement police were called immediately and had been actively searching for her since then.

‘‘A full operational review into the circumstances of the incident is being carried out.’’

The department was unable to provide further information on the escape as the review was ongoing, she said.

Police have searched several properties connected to Epiha without success.

Authorities are warning anyone who may be helping her that they could be prosecuted for doing so. — The New Zealand Herald