KEY POINTS:
A man is recovering in hospital with two broken ankles after falling from a balcony attempting to escape an 11-hour kidnapping ordeal linked to an employment dispute.
The injured man was one of two men allegedly kidnapped at gunpoint from their Whangaparaoa home by a group of up
to eight men on Sunday night.
The two alleged victims had earlier that evening tried to leave their jobs.
Police became aware of the incident on Monday morning after one of the victims escaped from being held overnight in South Auckland.
Police yesterday arrested two men in their 30s but were last night still hunting at least four others in relation to the attack.
The head of North Shore CIB, Detective Senior Sergeant Kim Libby, said police believed the alleged kidnappings were related to employment matters that officers were also investigating.
A police summary of facts presented in court yesterday outlined how the victims, both of whom have interim name and occupation suppression, had handed in resignations to their manager following concerns about their low rate of pay.
Three hours later three car-loads of people, including the two accused, arrived at the men's home with a pistol.
It is alleged one of the victims was sworn at and slapped across the face numerous times while his home was searched and property removed.
The second victim was upstairs lying on his bed when the accused and associates allegedly entered his room and closed the door to prevent him escaping.
"In an effort to escape and seek help [the victim] fled to the balcony and climbed over the railing as he was chased ... In fear and panic, [he] lost his grip and fell to the concrete ground one storey below," said the summary of facts.
Police say the accused and their associates then ran outside and surrounded the incapacitated man before pulling his broken legs, punching and kicking him.
Due to his screams he was carried back inside, while the second victim was placed on a chair. A gun was allegedly pointed at his head and he was interrogated about the name of his new employer.
It is alleged one man, who has not yet been arrested, threatened the victim, saying, "Tell me the name or we'll take you in the car and finish you".
Fearing for his life the man rang his future employer, who was told to come to the address. He rang soon after saying he was parked up the road because he was concerned for his safety. The victims were then put in cars and taken to separate addresses in South Auckland.
One broke free on Monday morning and raised the alarm, while one of the suspected kidnappers took the injured man to Middlemore Hospital.
The two accused who appeared in court yesterday were jointly charged with two counts of kidnapping, aggravated burglary, injury with reckless disregard and commission of a crime with a firearm.
They were granted interim name suppression and remanded in custody after being denied bail.
Mr Libby called on the other men involved to come forward.
"They can come to us, otherwise we'll come looking for them."
