Gun crimes rock South Auckland
Calls from Clover Park residents for more cops on the street after spate of shootings
South Auckland has been rocked by a spate of shootings this year. Two people have been killed and two others — including a senior gang boss — seriously wounded.
Most of the incidents have happened in or near the suburb of Clover Park.
Police do not believe they are directly connected but the violence has caused concern in the community and resulted in an emergency hui where calls were made for more officers on the streets.
Inspector Wendy Spiller, area com
mander for Counties Manukau East, said those involved were “intent on carrying out high risk behaviour and causing harm.” Police were determined to keep the community safe and were staying highly visible in key locations.
July 6: Dawson Rd, Clover Park
A woman was rushed to hospital with serious injuries after she was shot just before 7am.
Police quickly cordoned the area off and started a scene examination.
It is understood no arrests have been made.
May 17: Piako St, Otara
Joseph Siaosi was shot by the occupant of a car, reportedly as he walked away from a confrontation.
His cousin Tuala Tusani told the Herald Siaosi’s friend and the first police officer to arrive gave CPR but the 23-year-old died on the lawn in front of his family home.
A 21-year-old man has been charged with murder.
A second man, also 21, has been charged with a firearms offence.
“These arrests should serve as a reminder that police will thoroughly investigate and hold people to account,” said Counties Manukau CIB Acting Detective Inspector Shaun Vickers.
April 26: Mt Wellington Highway, Mt Wellington
Killer Beez gang president Josh Masters was shot multiple times at a Harley Davidson motorbike shop.
He suffered critical injuries, but survived.
Soon after police charged Tribesman gang member Akustino Tae with attempted murder.
Tae, who surrendered himself to police, and Masters were once close friends.
Detective Inspector Tofilau Fa’a Va’aelua said police had located the firearm used in the shooting and were not seeking anyone else in relation to the near-fatal incident.
Masters spent 10 years and five months in jail on drugs and money laundering charges.
April 20: Darnell Cres, Clover Park
Father of five Siaosi Tulua was shot and killed in his own home.
Police later revealed a single gunshot was heard.
To date, no one has been arrested or charged with Tulua’s murder — described by police as brutal.
Acting Detective Senior Sergeant Kepal Richards said Tulua’s partner and young child were home when he was shot.
The partner called 111 and the first police officers to arrive at the scene tried to save his life but Tulua’s injuries were too severe.
Police have since revealed they are seeking multiple people in relation to the slaying.
Tulua was said to be “a real family man”.
He had four children from a previous relationship who did not live with him, but he had spoken to them on the phone shortly before he was gunned down.
April 5: Palermo Place, Clover Park
A mother-of-two says she was terrified after six gunshots were fired down her street and a man carrying a firearm walked up her driveway.
Karishma Prasad, 32, spoke of ducking to the floor in sheer terror after hearing “shot after shot” on Palermo Place at about 11pm on April 5.
Four properties on the street were cordoned off while police made inquiries.
“We were just wondering what the hell is happening and then we called the cops and they turned up a couple of minutes later,” said Prasad.
“There was a guy across the road swearing at the police saying ‘just shoot me’.
“But I don’t think he was related to the gunshots. I think he was just drunk.”