Police have identified the body located in McRobbie Road as twenty-one year old Shalvin PRASAD of Dannemora. Shalvin was reported missing to Police by his family early in the morning of 31 January 2013.
His disappearance was out of character and there are no known reasons why Shalvin would go missing or take his own life.
Detective Inspector Dave Lynch of Counties-Manukau Police says that Police are now treating Shalvin's death as a Homicide; 'based upon what we now know about Shalvin coupled with the fact his vehicle and some personal possessions are still missing it is believed that another person or persons are involved in his disappearance and death'.
Police do not believe this was a random event and the reasons for Shalvin being targeted are an area of focus for the investigation team.
Police were able to forensically identify Shelvin and his family were advised on Friday evening. They are being supported by Family, Friends, Police and Victim Support.
A key focus for the investigation team is locating the vehicle that Shelvin was last seen in when he left home at approximately 8.30pm on Wednesday night 30 January 2013.
The vehicle is described as a 1994 Toyota RAV4. The vehicle is mostly blue but has a faded black [giving the appearance of grey] colour around the base. The actual vehicle is shown front on in the attached photograph and a photo of a similar vehicle is also attached for a side on view.
The vehicle was in good condition. Police are appealing to members of the public for any sightings of this vehicle from 8.30 pm on Wednesday Night 30 January 2013. Police would also like to hear from any members of the automobile industry who have bought such a vehicle or were asked to dispose of such a vehicle within this timeframe.
A photograph of Shelvin is also attached and Police would like to hear from anyone who saw or had any contact with him in the week leading up to his disappearance and certainly anyone who saw or had contact with him from 8.30pm on Wednesday night 30 January 2013 until his body was located at 0630 on Thursday Morning.
Area Enquires completed by Police have also established that two vehicles left McRobbie Road at high speed on Thursday morning at approximately 6.30am just prior to the arrival of the first Police vehicle. Both vehicles carried on straight through the intersection into Kingseat Road travelling in the Pukekohe direction.
One vehicle was described as Blue/Silver in colour and the other was white.
Police are urging the drivers of these vehicles to come forward to be eliminated from the investigation. 'This is a remote location and both drivers will be well aware that their vehicles will be of interest to the investigation. The longer they wait to come forward will increase the level of interest Police have in them and we urge them to contact us as soon as possible'
Any information can be given to Police on 09 295 0311 or to Crime-stoppers on 0800 555 111
Dave Lynch
Detective Inspector
District Manager; Criminal Investigations
Counties-Manukau Police
