A manhunt continues for a 28-year-old wanted over a homicide in Naenae, Lower Hutt, with police seeking CCTV from the public and information about the movements of a car.
Police are appealing for information over the death of Albert Enoka in Naenae last week, warning that the suspect was “dangerous and should not be approached”.
Detective Inspector Haley Ryan said relevant surveillance camera footage would be “crucial” to investigators as officers seek Wipuhara Kapene, 28.
Ryan said police were particularly interested in the movements of a black Mercedes.
“As part of our ongoing inquiries, we are looking to establish the movements of the pictured black Mercedes, registration KRP453, shortly before and after 3.10pm in Naenae on Tuesday, December 10,” she said in a media release.
“We also are wanting to establish what other vehicles and persons were in the area around the time of the shooting. Particular areas of interest include Seddon St, Judd Crescent, Wood Grove, Keys St, Waddington Dr, Naenae Rd, Hay St, and Waiwhetu Rd.”
The detective inspector said Kapene “has links across Wellington, and in the Wairarapa area and in Eastern District. If you see him, call 111 immediately.”
Funeral monitored
Officers will also be maintaining a “visible presence” in the Hutt Valley and Porirua areas today as they monitor the victim’s funeral.
A police spokesperson said Enoka was being “farewelled at a funeral in Wainuiomata this morning, followed by a procession through Hutt Valley to Porirua, where he will be laid to rest at Whenua Tapu cemetery”.
Stuff has reported Enoka was a former Rebels Motorcycle Club gang president.
“Officers from across Wellington will be deployed, alongside Police from outside Wellington alongside specialist teams.”
Inspector Shaun Lingard said police’s thoughts are with the man’s family.
“Our aim is to provide the space for them and other attendees to grieve, while ensuring the law is upheld We have maintained contact with the community, and gang leaders and members, prior to the funeral and have set clear expectations around behaviour.”
Lingard said “unlawful behaviour will not be tolerated” with officers manning checkpoints and police patrolling “relevant areas” to monitor the procession.
