Nineteen arrested as gang tensions simmer
One person was critically injured after being shot outside Papakura District Court yesterday.
St John said the victim was taken to Middlemore Hospital.
Counties Manukau south area prevention manager Matt Hoyes said police understood the shooting might be upsetting for people in the community.
“Inquiries are in the very early stages and at this stage it has not been established as to whether the incident is associated with ongoing gang tensions across Ta¯maki Makaurau.”
Tensions between the Killer Beez and Tribesmen gangs across the city in the past month have led to a string of shootings and suspicions fires.
Police have arrested 19 people and laid 25 charges as part of their operation into the ongoing violence.
Three shootings and two suspicious fires on Wednesday night are believed linked to previous gang violence across the city.
Last week, there were seven shootings in Auckland in one night, while last Sunday an Auckland house and sleepout were sprayed with at least 20 bullets.
Counties Manukau District Commander Superintendent Jill Rogers said those arrested are affiliated to the Killer Beez and Tribesmen gangs.
“Police have no tolerance for gun violence and the reckless behaviour that has been on display across our communities in recent weeks,” Rogers said.
“The public will continue to see police responding to any unlawful behaviour by gang members.”
Twelve associates of the Tribesmen were taken into custody on Thursday in Pakuranga and spoken to by police, after armed police and the armed offenders squad responded to a report of suspicious activity potentially involving firearms.
However, no firearms have been located at this stage, Rogers said.
One of the associates will face court in relation to breaching his release conditions.
Since Operation Dairyland started in late May, Rogers said 21 searches have been executed across Auckland and police have seized nine firearms and 341 rounds of ammunition.
“Police will continue to be visible across communities and work to disrupt and prevent these incidents.
“Further arrests cannot be ruled out. Information from the public will continue to assist our inquiries.”
Anyone with information about those illegally in possession of firearms are urged to contact police on 105 or anonymously by calling Crime Stoppers on 0800 555 111.