By rnz.co.nz and is republished with permission
Police have launched a homicide investigation following the death of a man in Pakuranga Heights on Monday morning.
Police door-knocking in Pakuranga on Monday 19 August 2024 after a series of gunshots, and the death of a person found wounded in a car. Photo: RNZ / Lucy Xia
Armed police amassed at the intersection of Marvon Downs Avenue and Pixie Place about 6.45am after reports of gunfire.
Officers found a person with agunshot wound in a vehicle who died at the scene.
Counties Manukau CIB Detective Inspector Shaun Vicker said the investigation was in the early stages of determining what happened.
“The community can expect to see an increased police presence in the area today and in coming days as we work to piece together what has led to this and who is responsible.
“We are continuing to speak to a number of people in the area at the time and are keen to hear from anyone who hasn’t already spoken with us.”
Police are still looking for the people they believe are responsible for the shooting.
Neighbours report screaming, ‘deafening’ gunshots before man died
Neighbour Kelly Lambert was startled awake when gunshots rang out from across the street.
“I just woke up at about 6:35am and heard five gunshots really loudly,” she said.
“My husband went out the driveway and heard some screaming [so] we rang the police.”
She said it was a shock to have something like this happen so close to home.
“It definitely gave me the shivers, because the gunshots were quite deafening.
“But I think the police have it under control… I’m not afraid for our safety.”
Another resident, Saf Khan, was also woken by the gunshots.
“I heard five gunshots in rapid succession, it was pretty loud at that time of the morning so I’m sure it woke up a lot of people,” he said.
“When you hear gunshots that close to your house it is a bit concerning, we go for walks down that street so it’s very surprising.”
Neighbour Adam Alkhatib feared his peaceful neighbourhood was becoming unsafe.
“It’s quite worrying… I’ve been here for a long time and it’s never been like this,” he said.
“There’s definitely a spike in crime, we feel a lack of safety.”
