Update 12/06/2019
The man accused of a fatal "drive-by shooting" in South Auckland can now be named.
Tamati Kas Simpson, 21, appeared in the High Court at Auckland for the first time this morning where his interim name suppression lapsed.
He is accused of murdering 23-year-old Faaifo "Joe" Siaosi.
Co-defendant Montana Tangi Manu, 21, also appeared today and is facing a firearms charge.
A three-week trial was fixed for June next year, while Simpson and Manu were remanded in custody by Justice Mathew Downs until their next court appearance in August.
Siaosi, also known as Joe, was shot dead along Piako St on May 17.
Update 22/05/2019
Counties Manukau Police have made two arrests as part of its investigation into the murder of Faaifo ‘Joe’ Siaosi.
The investigation team as part of Operation Rye have undertaken a large number of enquiries since 17 May.
Acting Detective Inspector Shaun Vickers says two men have been arrested and charged in connection with the incident in Ōtara.
A 21-year-old has been charged with murder, while a second 21-year-old has been charged with a firearms offence.
Police enquiries are still ongoing at this stage and we cannot rule out further charges being laid.
“I would like to reassure the community that Police have put significant investigative resource into our enquiries over this tragic incident,” says Acting Detective Inspector Vickers.
“These arrests should serve as a reminder that Police will thoroughly investigate and hold people to account.”
The man charged with murder is due to appear in the Manukau District Court tomorrow.
The other male previously appeared in the Manukau District Court.
Update //20/05/2019
Counties Manukau Police investigating a homicide on Piako Street, Ōtara are appealing for the public’s assistance in the case.
An operation, dubbed Operation Rye, has been launched to investigate the death of a 23-year-old male on 17 May.
Police can confirm the victim was Faaifo Siaosi, also known as Joe.
“A team of determined investigators are working on this case and are carrying out a number of enquiries since Friday’s incident,” says Acting Detective Inspector Shaun Vickers.
As part of our enquiries, Police are appealing for information about a vehicle of interest in the case.
The investigation team are appealing for sightings of a blue Holden Commodore, described as having tinted rear windows, between 2.30pm and 3.15pm on Friday.
“This vehicle was being driven erratically in that time period between the Ōtara, Manukau and Manurewa areas,” says Acting Detective Inspector Vickers.
Anyone with information is urged to contact the Operation Rye investigation team on 09 261 1321.
Crimestoppers can also be called anonymously on 0800 555 111.
~Acting Detective Inspector Shaun Vickers, Counties Manukau CIB
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At approximately 2.53pm, Police were notified that a person had reportedly been shot.
Upon arrival, a male was located with a gunshot wound and has died at the scene.
Police cordons are in place on Piako Street and these are expected to continue for some time while a scene examination takes place.
Acting Detective Inspector Shaun Vickers, Counties Manukau CIB, says Police are working hard to identify those responsible.
“This is a serious and tragic incident and we are doing everything we can to locate anyone involved.
“Anyone who witnessed this incident or has any information which may assist our investigation is urged to contact Police immediately.”
Information can be provided by phoning Counties Manukau Police on 09 261 1321 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.
~Acting Detective Inspector Shaun Vickers, Counties Manukau CIB:
Recent shootings:
The incident comes after two other shootings in the area in the past few weeks.
President of the Killer Beez gang, Josh Masters, was shot at a Harley Davidson store in Mt Wellington on April 26.
Masters was taken to hospital in a critical condition.
A 39-year-old man was arrested and charged with attempted murder in relation to the shooting.
Siaosi Tulua, 39, was also killed in a fatal shooting at a property on Darnell Cres, in Clover Park, about 10.30pm on April 21.
A post-mortem was carried out and it was confirmed that Tulua died from a gunshot wound.
