Police now believe multiple people were involved in an incident that led to the death of a 63-year-old in Wellington’s Miramar.
Abdul Nabizadah, originally from Afghanistan, was found bleeding and unconsious with “unsurvivable” injuries to his head at 12.30pm on Monday, March 17 on Camperdown Road.
Investigators believed Nabizadah was assaulted and robbed after being lured to the area in a “premeditated attack”. The only thing taken in the attack was his keys.
Nabizadah died of his injuries in Wellington Hospital, despite a battle to save his life.
No charges have been laid over his death.
As the probe into the incident continued, it was revealed today that investigators believed there were multiple people involved in the plan to rob Nabizadah.
Detectives had previously identified a connection to the attack and an aggravated burglary at Darlington Road 90 minutes after Nabizadah was assaulted.
A man was found inside the property at around 2am, and a “physical altercation” broke out, injuring one of the home’s occupants. A 28-year-old was arrested and has since appeared in court over the burglary.
Police said a phone left behind at the property was allegedly used to lure Nabizadah to Camperdown Road, where he was assaulted.
“After an extensive investigation, we now believe there was more than one person involved in the plan to rob Mr Nabizadah, and that this may have included the use of a weapon,” Detective Senior Sergeant Tim Leitch said.
“There has been varying levels of co-operation from those we understand to be involved, as well as information from the public regarding both incidents”.
He pleaded for anyone with information that could help investigators to “please come foward”.
“While we understand it may be difficult for people to speak with us, if it was your family member, what would you want someone with information to do?
“Six months on from this tragic incident, the Nabizadah family has not received the closure they need to move on.”
“Mr Nabizadah was a husband, father, and grandfather, who brought his family to New Zealand from Afghanistan seeking a better life.
“Instead, his life was taken in a violent and senseless way.”
He said police were “determined” to get justice for Nabizadah and his family, and would continue the investigation.
“It is not too late to provide Mr Nabizadah’s family with answers – if you know something, we encourage you to speak with us.
“Every piece of information, no matter how small you think it may be, is vital to our investigation.”
Anyone with information was asked to call 105.
