Pukekohe supermarket assault: Two men charged with aggravated robbery

Two people have been charged after an alleged unprovoked, vicious daylight assault outside a South Auckland supermarket.

Police said the victim was “incredibly lucky” because he only suffered minor injuries.

About 12.30pm on September 19, the victim and his family were in a Pukekohe supermarket carpark when two people approached him.

The area prevention manager for Counties Manukau South, Inspector Matt Hoyes, said the two alleged offenders then assaulted the man in an out-of-the-blue attack.

“These alleged offenders have viciously attacked this man in broad daylight, punching him and kicking him while he was on the ground.”

Hoyes said security intervened and halted the assault before police arrived.

“Our team has been working hard to identify and locate those responsible for this brazen assault, and this morning we executed two search warrants at properties in Pukekohe where two people were taken into custody,” he said.

“People have a right to be safe going about their business, without having to be subjected to needless violence.”

Two men, aged 22 and 20, will reappear in Manukau District Court on December 5, charged with aggravated robbery.

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