Moko’s mum: I’ve been made to feel like a criminal
THE mother of Moko Rangitoheriri – the little boy tortured to death by his caregivers – has lodged a complaint with the Independent Police Conduct Authority over the way police handled the case.
The IPCA confirmed it had received a complaint from Nicola Dally-Paki. The complaint was being processed and had yet to be assigned to an investigator, a spokesman said.
Dally-Paki’s lawyer, Arama Ngapo-Lipscombe, confirmed a complaint had been made but declined to give details.
Moko, 3, was killed by Tania Shailer and David Haerewa who tortured and abused him over a two-month period in Taupo in 2015.
They were sentenced to 17 years imprisonment – believed to be the longest sentences for manslaughter – and will this week have their appeals heard in Wellington.
The case shocked the country and sparked outrage over the fact the pair weren’t charged with murder and a series of marches were held around the country in memory of Moko, thousands taking part.
A family friend said Dally-Paki was upset at the way she had been treated by police after Moko’s death, and she’d been made to feel like a criminal.
The friend said the family had asked for privacy at the funeral, but an officer was found ‘‘hiding in the bushes’’.
Dally-Paki is also understood to be unhappy that police didn’t lay charges against Shailer and Haerewa over an alleged assault on another child.