KEY POINTS:
A 21-year-old Otara man has appeared in court charged with the murder of south Auckland woman, Joanne Wang.
Mrs Wang, 39, died after she was knocked down by a stolen 4WD in the carpark of Manukau's main shopping mall nine days ago as she tried to stop a
man who had snatched her handbag.
The man accused of her murder was given name suppression and remanded in custody to reappear on July 7 when he appeared in Manukau District Court this morning.
Detective Inspector John Tims earlier told a media conference the man's "straight forward" arrest was made last night.
Police allege the 21-year-old was the driver of the 4WD Nissan that hit Mrs Wang after her handbag was snatched.
"Joanne's family have been advised early this morning," Mr Tims said.
"They were relieved and wished to thank police and also the community for their support in what's happened over the last few days."
Mr Tims said Mrs Wang's eight-year-old son, who witnessed the crime, was traumatised but supported by family. He said police interviewed the boy last week.
He said police were still looking for the driver of a red car that was hit by the white Nissan. He said the driver was a Maori man and witnessed Mrs Wang's death.
The driver or anyone else with information can call 0508 Manukau (0508 6762685).
The latest arrest brings the total number of people in custody to five but police are still looking for two others over Mrs Wang's death.
Mr Tims would not comment on whether the arrested had gang connections but said they were friends.
They include a 21-year-old Otara man who was charged on Sunday with being an accessory after the fact in relation to the destruction of a white Nissan 4WD believed to be the vehicle which struck businesswoman Mrs Wang. The vehicle was found burnt out a few days after the hit-and-run.
Two others, aged 19 and 22, were charged over the disposal of the stolen vehicle, and a 19-year-old man was charged in relation to the theft of Mrs Wang's handbag.
Mr Tims was also asked if the arrested men could face further charges but he would not comment.
Mrs Wang had returned to her car with her son from the shops when a man reached in through the passenger door and ran off with her grey two-handled handbag, to the waiting vehicle.
She ran after the man, appearing to try to stop the car from leaving, and was knocked to the ground.
- NZPA
