Man who escaped police custody in Taupō hands himself in

Wednesday 15 January 2025 · 5 outlets · 5 reports · updated Wed 15 Jan 2025, 9:54am

In this story NZ Police

Samir Derek Belhajjam, 30, has surrendered to the Taupō Police Station after fleeing from a police transport vehicle outside the Taupō District Court on Monday. Police previously believed he was receiving assistance to avoid capture. He faces a charge of escaping from custody.

How they headlined it

5:31am7:11am9:54am

1. RNZWed 15 Jan 2025, 5:31am

   Escaped prisoner Samir Derek Belhajjam has history of breaking into properties (opens in new tab)

   • Man accused of escaping from police van hands himself in (opens in new tab) Wed 15 Jan 2025, 9:54am
2. Waikato Times via StuffWed 15 Jan 2025, 7:11am

   Escaped Taupō prisoner has history of breaking into boats and homes, police say (opens in new tab)

   Also on Stuff (opens in new tab)

3. NZ HeraldWed 15 Jan 2025, 7:35am

   Hunt for Samir Derek Belhajjam continues after escape from police outside Taupō court (opens in new tab)

4. 1NewsWed 15 Jan 2025, 9:54am

   Man who escaped police custody in Taupō hands himself in (opens in new tab)