‘Mum didn’t deserve to die like this’
The son of a woman stabbed to death in Whanganui says his mother didn’t deserve to die that way.
Miriama Raukawa was killed in a stabbing on Wicksteed St in central Whanganui on Tuesday afternoon.
Yesterday, three people remained in hospital while another two have been discharged.
A 36-year-old man appeared in the Whanganui District Court on Wednesday charged with murder and five charges of wounding with intent to cause grievous bodily harm.
He was granted interim name suppression and Judge Chris Sygrove ordered a psychiatric report.
Tupuna Rawiri Rangi, 23, lives in Napier and heard about the death of his mother on Tuesday after his uncle called him. He was meant to be coming to Whanganui for her birthday next month but instead would be coming back to prepare for her funeral.
Rangi said his sister was in hospital, because she and her boyfriend were both victims as well.
‘‘I just want to get back to Whanganui and see the family as well as my sister.’’
Rangi said his mum would forever be in his heart.
‘‘My mum didn’t deserve to die like this.
‘‘ I love you heaps mum.’’ Cordons remained in place yesterday as police continued examining a property on Wicksteed St.
The man arrested is scheduled to appear again in the High Court at Whanganui next month.