In today's headlines with Wilhelmina Shrimpton, huge inequities in policing, fire in central Auckland apartment, and concern over child language skills.
Auckland police are probing any links between the death of a grandfather in Pakuranga Heights and a previous shooting.
Detective Inspector Shaun Vickers said police were still trying to formally identify the victim of an incident on August 19, but were “comfortable” naming him as Tuipulotu Vi, 59.
“As part of our inquiries, we are investigating how this homicide may be linked to another incident where a firearm was discharged towards a house in Beach Haven on the morning of July 23,” Vickers said.
“Mr Vi died in a shocking display of violence, and we understand the community is feeling uneasy.
“At this point we want to assure the community that we are doing everything we can to piece together exactly what has happened and who was involved.”
Saia Kokohu Vi, named by police as Tuipulotu Vi, was shot dead inside a vehicle on Marvon Downs Ave, Pakuranga Heights, on Monday.
Vickers said it was still early in the police investigation.
“At the moment we can confirm there is a familial link between people who live at both addresses, but we are working hard to understand the motivation behind both shootings.”
Vi, a courier driver, who was also known as Saia Kokohu Vi, was gunned down inside his Post Haste van as he left his home in East Auckland just before 6.45am Monday.
Vickers earlier said police were trying to get any security camera or dashcam footage from the area. He asked anyone with relevant video or other information to contact police.
Police at the scene in Marvon Downs Ave as they continue to make inquiries into the fatal shooting. Photo / Jason Oxenham
He is asking people to call 105 and quote 240819/5586. Tipsters could also use the 105 webpage. Information can be offered anonymously to Crime Stoppers on 0800 555 111.
Vickers asked people who were on Cascades Rd, or on Archmillen, Hope Farm or Marvon Downs avenues between 5.30am and 7.30am Monday to get in touch.
When the Herald visited the scene the day after the shooting, police officers were going door-to-door around the neighbourhood asking residents what they knew or may have seen. Four officers were seen carrying clipboards and speaking to people. Floral tributes had been left.
Vickers said: “Police inquiries remain ongoing and we continue to speak to witnesses and those providing information as we piece together what has occurred.
Police are appealing for security camera or dashcam footage from near the area of the fatal shooting.
“The community can also expect to see an increased police presence in the Pakuranga Heights area throughout the next few days.”
‘Most kind man’ mourned by family, wider community
Several tributes for Vi, originally from Tonga, have been posted to social media by family, describing him as a kind and smiling man.
The Herald understands Vi lived with his wife, daughter and two grandchildren.
“We are devastated to hear of the death of one of our Post Haste courier contractors in the tragic incident at Marvon Downs Ave, Pakuranga, yesterday morning,” said a spokesperson.
“Our sincere condolences are with his family and friends.
“We are offering counselling support to our team and appreciate their support of each other at this sad time.”
Witness finds man dead in van
A woman who raced to potentially help the shooting victim described him as a doting grandfather who loved his grandchildren. She had no clue why he was targeted.
Police at the scene of the incident where a resident says she saw a crashed courier van after hearing a volley of shots. Photo / Jason Oxenham
The Marvon Downs Ave resident, who wished to remain anonymous, said she ran out to the crashed courier van after hearing a volley of shots that sounded like “they were just outside [her] window”.
“I ran outside and saw our next-door neighbour’s courier van had driven into our neighbour’s fence.
