The man stabbed to death in a dairy robbery in Sandringham on Wednesday night was 34 year old Janak Patel.
Legacy mainstream media outlets NZHerald and Stuff.co.nz have reported a statement from Patel’s sister, issued through an intermediary:
‘We urge the New Zealand Government to urgently catch the criminal who has taken our brother’s life and hold the murderer accountable and give him the toughest punishment.’
Dairy and Business Association chairperson Sunny Kaushal also told media the association is planning a nationwide protest after Patel’s funeral had finished.
Meanwhile, officer in charge of the investigation Detective Inspector Scott Beard release the following update just before 1pm today:
Police enquiries are ongoing as we work to identify the offender sought in relation to the Sandringham homicide investigation.
An investigation was launched after the tragic death of a man on Wednesday night following an incident on Haverstock Road.
A post-mortem examination is being conducted today (Friday).
Police want to acknowledge residents living within the cordon and the surrounding areas and thank them for their cooperation.
Cordons remain in place and are expected to be lifted later today or tomorrow.
We would like to thank all those who have already contacted Police with information.
Police still need to hear from anyone who witnessed the altercation that occurred around 100m from the dairy, or believe they saw the offender on foot, before or after the incident.
We also continue to appeal to those in the community who know who the offender is, to do the right thing and contact us.
Police have also set up an online portal for people to upload footage. People can upload photos or video by going to https://bluebell.nc3.govt.nz(link is external)
We are continuing to ask people with information to contact us via 105 or online using ‘Update My Report’. Please quote file number 221123/3847.
They can also email opbluebell@police.govt.nz(link sends e-mail)
Information can also be provided anonymously via Crime Stoppers on 0800 555 111.
