Op Kiri update IV
As the homicide investigation into a Hamilton woman's death in a house fire continues into its sixth day Police and Fire Service investigators are continuing their examination of the scene today.
Head of Operation Kiri, Detective Senior Sergeant Nigel Keall of the Waikato CIB, said about 20 Police staff from across the Waikato and neighbouring districts were working on establishing how 37-year-old Hamilton woman, Wai Tangi MATENGA, lost her life.
"Ms MATENGA'S body was located inside a Holland Rd house on Wednesday after fire-fighters extinguished an extensive fire in the home.
"Her body was taken to Auckland for a post-mortem examination which was completed on Friday. While we have the preliminary findings from this examination we are awaiting a final report from the pathologist which requires results of toxicology tests underway, this will then give us a clearer picture of how Ms MATENGA died."
While these forensic examinations continue other members of the enquiry team were continuing to speak to local residents as they worked to establish events leading up to the fire.
"We have received a strong level of support from residents of the local neighbourhood and are grateful for that. At the same time we are aware of a number of scenarios being discussed in relation to the activities and relationships of occupants of the address.
"What we would ask is that if you have information and you haven't already spoken to Police, make contact with the Op Kiri enquiry team through the Hamilton Central Police station on 07 858 6200 or alternatively, leave information anonymously with Crimestoppers on 0800 555111."
Mr Keall said both the fire and Ms MATENGA'S death were being treated as suspicious and would continue to be so until such time as evidence confirmed otherwise."
End