Two more arrests over Pt England murder of Charles Pongi

Police investigate the scene of a disorder event that resulted in the death of at least one person at the Taurima Reserve in Point England. Inset victim Charles Pongi. Photo / Hayden Woodward

Police have made two fresh arrests in connection with a 2023 murder in a Pt England reserve.

Operation Pastel investigated the murder of Charles Anthony Pongi, 32, who died after he was shot on August 5, 2023, at Taurima Reserve.

He had been injured after a planned one-on-one fight between an associate of the Head Hunters and a member of the 36 Crips street gang.

At least 20 shots were fired at the reserve on the afternoon of August 5.

Pongi and a senior member of the Rebels motorcycle gang, who was supporting the Crips member, were later admitted to hospital where the former died.

Court appearances

Detective Inspector Glenn Baldwin said two men were arrested today in the Auckland region.

“These two men were identified as part of the Operation Pastel investigation and have jointly been charged with murder over the death of Mr Pongi,” Baldwin said.

A 28-year-old man appeared in the Auckland District Court today and has been remanded in custody to reappear in the High Court at Auckland on February 4.

Baldwin said a 25-year-old man was due to appear in the Auckland District Court this afternoon.

This man also faces a charge of presenting a firearm.

Police gathered in force outside the Head Hunters' pad in Ellerslie before the funeral of Charles Pongi. Photo / Supplied

Baldwin said four men were convicted and sentenced for Pongi’s murder late last year.

“We’re pleased to have laid further charges in this investigation.

“I’m unable to comment further at this time with the court process ongoing for these two men, as well as a 21-year-old man who will be subject of a retrial later this year,” Baldwin said.

At the time, the death of Pongi led to a massive police investigation into brazen gang violence, as well as fears of a tit-for-tat war between the Head Hunters and the Rebels.

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