Pledge to eradicate youth gang violence

Richard Middleton holds a pipe wrench similar to one used in the fatal attack on Iulio Kilepoa. Picture / Martin Sykes

Police hunting youth gang members responsible for a string of violent attacks say they will be "eradicated" from the community.

Gang members have been linked to three serious assaults and the Labour weekend murder of Iulio Naea Kilepoa.

Police investigating the crimes say some gang members are involved in more than one case, and 25 people have been arrested so far.

"I'm pleased to tell you [police] have the foot right on the throat of these individuals and we're not slowing down at all," said Detective Inspector Steve Rutherford, who promised more arrests soon.

"We've always the odd incident here and there with young people but this time there's been an escalation, they've gone too far and ... they're going to be eradicated."

Gang violence peaked at Labour weekend with a street attack in Flat Bush that left a 17-year-old in a critical condition and an 18-year-old with serious head injuries.

Mr Kilepoa was later found dead in his home near the scene and police say the killing was connected.

His son George Naea, a gang member, has been charged with attempted murder of the youths and another serious assault that left a 16-year-old boy partially paralysed.

Mr Kilepoa was found with a knife in his chest but police said he was also bashed with a distinctive plumber's pipe wrench. They are seeking information about the tool.

Mr Kilepoa was known to gang members and police yesterday acknowledged a history of tension that culminated in murder.

A 19-year-old has been charged with the killing but police are now hunting for people who assaulted Mr Kilepoa less than 48 hours before his death.

"His death didn't happen in isolation, there were a number of events leading up to it," said Acting Detective Inspector Richard Middleton.

He said there had been a "short history of bad blood" between two gangs.

"It's about alcohol and the abuse of alcohol has created situations that got out of control on many occasions, and culminated in the events of Friday night [October 21] and Saturday night, and Mr Kilepoa's death [on October 23]. It's a huge contributing factor."

Members of his son's gang, the Otahuhu-based Junior Crip Boys, were known to drink at Mr Kilepoa's house in Norrie Smith Ave.

Mr Middleton said he could not discuss the history because the case was before court.

Police moved to assure the public they were getting on top of the youth gang problem.

Mr Rutherford said police were working their way through a list of "young criminals and hoods from South Auckland" and it was only a matter of time before they appeared in court.

"We're going to get to the bottom of this nonsense.

"This is absolutely tragic ... some of these victims are innocent kids.

"It's true to say that some of these individuals are from rival gangs."

Anyone with information about the pipe wrench can contact police on 0800-424-559.