Police are staying tight-lipped about an ongoing homicide investigation launched when an east Auckland man was tragically gunned down three months ago.
Tuipulotu Vi, 59, was shot while driving a Post Haste courier van in Marvon Downs Avenue, Pakuranga Heights, just before 7am on August 19.
Police and St John Ambulance paramedics responded to the incident. Vi was found injured inside the van at the intersection of Marvon Downs Avenue and Pixie Place.
He was attended by medical services but died at the scene. A homicide investigation named ‘Operation Block’ was launched.
In the three months since, no one has been arrested or charged in relation to the killing.
On November 19 the Times asked police if they wanted to issue another public appeal for information on the incident and if there was an update on the investigation.
A spokesperson responded: “The police investigation remains ongoing and at this stage there are no further updates.”
The shooting sparked concern in the local community with Pakuranga MP Simeon Brown saying he was “horrified by the news of a fatal shooting in Pakuranga Heights”.
“This will be incredibly disturbing for the community and neighbours.”
Brown urged anyone with information on the incident to contact police.
Vi was reported to have lived with his wife, daughter and two grandchildren.
His employer, Post Haste, said in a statement the company is “devastated” to hear of the death of one of its courier contractors.
“Our sincere condolences are with his family and friends.
“We’re offering counselling support to our team and appreciate their support of each other at this sad time.”
As part of their investigation, police said they wanted to hear from anyone who had dashcam footage and was travelling between 5.30am-7.30am on August 19 on Cascades Road, Archmillen Avenue, Hope Farm Avenue or Marvon Downs Avenue.
The officer leading the investigation, Detective Inspector Shaun Vickers, of Counties Manukau Police’s criminal investigation branch, says police are committed to holding the persons responsible to account.
“Mr Vi died in a shocking display of violence, and we understand the community is feeling uneasy.
“At this point we want to ensure the community that are doing everything we can to piece together exactly what has happened and who was involved.
“As part of our enquiries, we’re investigating how this homicide may be linked to another incident where a firearm was discharged toward a house in Beach Haven on the morning of July 23.
“Several bullet casings were located outside an address on Rambler Crecent and some property damaged, thankfully no one was hurt.”
He says police are also working to establish and confirm whether there are any gang links behind these two incidents.
“At the moment we can confirm there’s a familial link between people who live at both addresses, but we are working hard to understand the motivation behind both shootings.
“We appreciate and thank the community who have assisted and supported our investigation to date.”
