A Mongrel Mob man wounded during one of the recent gang-related firearms incidents that have Gisborne police on high alert, has been discharged from hospital after bullet and car door fragments were surgically removed from his leg.
Meanwhile, two men accused of shooting him as he sat in his car on Rimu Street on Friday, October 13, appeared in Gisborne District Court yesterday.
Saylem-Sky Ratapu, 18, occupation unknown, and Manasseh Emmanuel Ripia, 27, an acclimatisation field officer, each face two charges arising from the alleged incident — wounding with intent to cause grievous bodily harm and discharging a firearm, namely a 303 rifle, in a manner that would endanger members of the public in Rimu Street.
Ratapu was further charged with having earlier that night attempted to shoot a man in Taruheru Crescent, being in unlawful possession of a firearm — a 303 rifle — and discharging it in such a way that it endangered nearby members of the public.
Judge Warren Cathcart further remanded each of the pair in custody without plea for bail applications tomorrow. Ratapu’s application will be dealt with during a Young Adults’ list.
