Police renew plea for information on gang shooting
Police are yet to charge anyone with the death of Kevin Ratana almost three weeks after the gang member was gunned down on a suburban Whanganui street.
Now police, who say they have made ‘‘significant progress’’ with their investigation, have made a public plea for information.
Mongrel Mob member Ratana, also known as ‘‘Kastro’’, was killed on August 21 in what is believed to be an attack on a family house by a rival gang. Detective Senior Sergeant Paul Baskett said police were asking anyone with information who hadn’t yet spoken to officers to get in touch. ‘‘Tomorrow marks three weeks since Kevin was killed in front of his home in Puriri St.
‘‘Over that time, police have made significant progress in our investigation.’’
He said people had provided information, but they knew there were others who knew something yet had not spoken to them.
‘‘We believe those people are likely to have critical evidence relating to Kevin’s death.
‘‘For the sake of Kevin’s wha¯nau, we’re urging anyone who can assist the investigation team to come forward and speak to us.’’
Baskett said interactions with police would be treated confidentially.
Eight men have been arrested on a raft of charges in relation to the investigation to Ratana’s death.
Anyone with any information can contact police on 06 349 0600 or anonymously to Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.