Whanganui mayor seeks to soothe city after gang killing

Police say senior gang leaders are working with them to identify the people responsible for a 27-yearold Whanganui man’s death.

Mongrel Mob member Kevin Ratana, also known as ‘‘Kastro’’, was killed on Tuesday morning in what is believed to be an attack on a family house by a rival gang.

Whanganui Detective Inspector Ross Mckay has said both Ratana and the group that shot him were ‘‘known’’ to police.

He said there was an autopsy yesterday and Ratana’s body was returned to his wha¯nau. The investigation was well staffed, with extra police arriving in Whanganui to help.

Mckay said senior gang leaders were working with police, who appreciated the help they were providing as they worked to identify who was responsible for the death.

Whanganui’s acting mayor Jenny Duncan has appealed for calm, and offered reassurance and sympathy to a family and community going through a difficult time.

‘‘I am being briefed on developments by the police area commander, and have been assured there is no immediate cause for concern to the general public,’’ Duncan said.

She said that despite the community’s concerns, there was no indication the overall situation was worsening. ‘‘We do have an increased police presence here, and this is reassuring.’’

Lifelong Black Power member Denis O’reilly also added his voice to the calls for calm in an interview on The AM Show the day after the fatal shooting.

O’reilly asked gang members on both sides to listen to their leaders and co-operate with police. ‘‘Us men can go out and do our things, it could be in the field of battle or on the rugby field, and let that be as it may. But children, family homes, are sacrosanct.’’