A Tongan family in Auckland are lamenting the death of their son as Police made their first arrest this morning.
Sālesi Pongi, also known by the English version of his name Charles, was shot at Taurima Reserve, Point England on Saturday and later died in hospital. Pongi, who was a patched Head Hunter member, took himself to hospital before he died.
Another man – believed to be a patched Rebels motorcycle gang member – took himself to Middlemore Hospital for a gunshot wound the same day.
Detective Inspector Glenn Baldwin, of Auckland City CIB, said a Glen Innes address was searched today.
“At the address, detectives arrested a 28-year-old man for breaching his electronically monitored bail.
He said Police had established his presence at the scene of Saturday’s violence.
“This is by no means the end of the matter, and we anticipate further arrests and charges as our investigation progresses.
“Our investigation team is determined and are continuing to piece together the facts and are committed to holding those responsible to account.”
The investigation team are also continuing to make good progress in reviewing CCTV footage.
Police continue to ask anyone with footage to get in touch and assist our investigation, Detective Inspector Baldwin says.
“The footage we have received so far has been benefitted our enquiries to date and I ask anyone that can assist us, to please come forward.”
An emotional status on Facebook, believed to have been posted by Pongi’s mother showed how devastating she was after Pongi’s death.
“Oh my! It has been three days now and I still have yet to hear your voice”, the post read in Tongan.
“Where are you? I would not give up and will keep calling your name.
“Good bye! Good bye! My beloved child!
“Rest assured I will take care of your children”.
The news comes after a Tongan man Sione Tu’uholoaki was shot at Queen Street, Auckland on Thursday last week. He “was taken off life support and sadly succumbed to his injuries with family beside him”.
Police are still looking for 24-year-old Dariush Talanga, in relation to Tu’uholoaki’s death.
