Armed police are carrying out a search warrant in Maketū this morning over a man’s death on SH33 in the Bay of Plenty.
Zain Taikato-Fox, 20, was found critically injured on the side of State Highway 33 by four men shortly after 7pm on Saturday, July 26.
He died from his injuries in Rotorua Hospital two days later.
Detective Inspector Craig Rawlinson said the search warrant followed other searches completed in Maketū three weeks ago as part of the same operation.
“There is not believed to be any risk to public safety, however residents can expect to see some staff armed as a precaution,” he said.
“Police have also engaged our iwi liaison officers, who will be in the township today, providing support and reassurance to locals.
Cordons were in place, with a section of Maketu Rd closed between Kaituna Rd and Wilson Rd North.
Access in and out of Maketū was available via Wilson Rd North.
