The man who died after a violent stand-off with police at Ōrere Point is a “person of interest” in an armed robbery of an Auckland bar.
Faasala Samu (Sam) Matue, 45, died earlier this month after being pepper-sprayed and tasered after allegedly biting an officer’s hand and threatening them with a metal pole.
Police say they are continuing to investigate his possible involvement in the armed robbery of a North Shore bar at the start of March.
Two gunmen allegedly held up The Rudder on Hauraki before fleeing on electric scooters, which were later found abandoned.
The Herald understands the two men were wearing motorcycle helmets and allegedly brandishing shotguns during the robbery.
A police spokesperson said Matue “remains a person of interest in the March 1 aggravated robbery at a bar, in which a firearm was presented”.
A day after he died, Police were asked directly if Sam Matue was a “person of interest” in a robbery in Takapuna and told family he wasn’t, a family spokesperson told the Herald.
“He has been charged over aggravated robberies at a Wairau Valley bowling alley on February 14 and a Takapuna bar late on March 1.
“Overall, he faces two counts of aggravated robbery and two counts of commission of a crime with a firearm.
“The man has also been charged with impersonating police in relation to the February 14 offending. In that instance, it will be alleged he wore clothing that resembled police uniform.”
Armed robbers were on the run after presenting a firearm during a daring hold-up at North Shore bar. Photo / Hayden Woodward
Matue in vehicle of interest - Police
Assistant Commissioner Jill Rogers said at about 2.15pm on Sunday, March 2, a vehicle of interest linked to the aggravated robbery at the Takapuna bar was spotted on Great South Rd in Papakura.
Police said the vehicle failed to stop and was tracked by helicopter as it drove to Ōrere Pt, coming to a stop on the beach about 3.20pm. The driver was taken into custody without incident.
“The passenger of the car challenged police officers, threatening officers with a samurai sword and biting the hand of one officer,” police said.
Rogers said the weapon held by the passenger was later identified as a metal pole.
“Officers have then deployed Taser and pepper spray, however, the man has continued to resist arrest and an officer has suffered a serious hand injury after being bitten by the man,” Rogers said.
“A police dog was then deployed, and the man was eventually taken into custody but has quickly become unresponsive.
“Medical assistance was rendered immediately and a medical helicopter was dispatched, however, he was unable to be revived and was pronounced deceased at the scene.”
Matue’s family is now fundraising to bring his body back to Australia.
In a recently created GoFundMe page, organiser Whitney Matue said the family was devastated and deeply saddened by the “tragic and unexpected loss of our beloved son, father, a new grandfather to one, who he was excited to meet for the first time”.
Whitney wrote Matue was born in New Zealand but raised in Australia.
“Because of the section 501 act, Sam was deported back to New Zealand in 2017. Leaving behind everything and everyone he knew,” she said.
“He was immensely family-oriented and worked hard. Sam was the type of person who found it hard to ask for any help, because he stems from a family who doesn’t come from a lot, but are rich in love and respect.”
Family members are raising money to return Sam Matue's body to Australia after he died following a confrontation with police at Auckland's Ōrere Point. Dave Letele / Facebook
The GoFundMe page said it would help with the financial burdens that come with the emotional pain and stress of death.
“The money being raised will go towards bringing Sam’s body back home to Australia, where his dad who unfortunately can’t travel will be eagerly awaiting him.
“Visiting our loved ones helps us navigate through hardships. This will bring closure and a little bit of healing to his family knowing he will be laid with his late mother & dear brother.”
Petition set up for independent investigation
Family members are alleging police violently assaulted Matue during the confrontation.
One family member claimed they had seen Matue’s body and described multiple bruises and bite marks to the Herald.
“They’ve destroyed him. He’s covered in bruises, he’s got bite marks from the dog, his head’s been split open.”
A man has died after threatening police and biting an officer’s hand at Orere Pt, Auckland, before being Tasered, pepper-sprayed, and losing consciousness. Photo / Supplied
Community leader David Letele has launched a petition calling for an independent investigation into Matue’s death, and for mandatory police bodycams.
Under the hashtag #Justicefor Sam, Letele said: “We, the family and friends of Sam Matue, are devastated by the tragic loss of our beloved son, brother and friend due to police actions. Sam was a vibrant and kind soul whose life ended.”
“We believe that the presence of body cameras can help prevent misconduct, provide clear evidence during encounters, and foster trust between police and the communities they serve,” said Letele, also known as The Brown Butterbean, who runs a South Auckland foodbank.
The petition also demands an independent investigation, saying only through a thorough and transparent process can trust and accountability in the law enforcement system be rebuilt.
Police told the Herald there were several investigations under way and they would let “due process” be carried out.
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