Police monitoring gang gathering for funeral of Killer Beez associate in South Auckland

Police say they are monitoring a group of gangsters gathering for “pre-funeral proceedings” in South Auckland after a similar ride (above) last month. Photo / File, Jason Oxenham

Police say they are monitoring a group of gangsters gathering for “pre-funeral proceedings” in South Auckland this afternoon and will “respond to any issues that may arise”.

The Herald understands the ride is part of tributes to a man linked to the Killer Beez who died in Spring Hill Prison on Monday. The death was not considered suspicious.

Members of the Killer Beez, along with other gangs, were expected to be involved in today’s ride.

Counties Manukau East area prevention manager Inspector Rakana Cook urged anyone who felt unsafe to call 111 or report illegal behaviour on 105 or online.

“Police will have zero tolerance for driving behaviour that puts other road users at risk,” Cook said.

“We have clear expectations around how we expect those involved to behave, and will respond to any issues that may arise.”

He said people could report behaviour anonymously via CrimeStoppers on 0800 555 111 or online.

Spring Hill prison director Scott Walker confirmed a man in custody died on Monday after paramedics “made every effort to save him”.

Walker said nothing from investigations so far suggested the death was suspicious.

“Our thoughts are with the man’s family and friends. Other men in the unit and staff are being provided with support, including access to chaplains and cultural support where requested,” Walker said.

“All deaths in custody are referred to the Coroner for investigation and determination of cause of death. Police have been advised and are responsible for notifying the man’s next of kin,” he said.

The independent Corrections Inspectorate will also investigate.

The Herald has approached the Coroner for comment.

The latest ride follows two high-profile gang funerals last month in Ōpōtiki, where schools, shops and roads closed as mobsters descended on the town, and another in South Auckland.

A Mongrel Mob funeral procession on June 14 caused massive disruption in Ōpōtiki and Whakatāne. Photo / Andrew Warner

Ōpōtiki and Whakatāne, in the Bay of Plenty, were effectively shut down on June 14 as a Mongrel Mob funeral procession caused massive disruption.

Bay of Plenty District Commander Tim Anderson told NZME police were not “outmanned” as the large procession of gang members flooded State Highway 2, prompting its hours-long closure.

The funeral procession for murdered Mongrel Mob leader Steven Taiatini last month. Photo / Andrew Warner

Hundreds of motorbikes, cars, utes and vans descended on the area for Barbarians president Steven Taiatini’s tangi at Hillcrest Crematorium.

Many barked and others yelled “Sieg heil” as they shot past.

Taiatini was killed in what police called a “disorder-related incident” on St John St, Ōpōtiki, on June 9. Police launched a homicide investigation.