Police in Matamata have made three arrests in conjunction with an Aggravated Robbery that occurred in Matamata on the 8th of July 2015 when a man was assaulted and robbed by four assailants armed with a firearm.
On Tuesday the 11th of August, assisted by members of the Armed Offenders Squad, Police from the Waikato and Bay of Plenty executed a series of search warrants in Putaruru and Tokoroa. Three men aged 29, 23, and 20 years were subsequently arrested, and have been charged with Aggravated Robbery, Fraud, and Firearms Offences.
A fourth man is wanted in regards to these matters and a warrant for his arrest has been issued.
Police would like to hear from anyone knowing the current whereabouts of that man, Shane Tamihana Mulafia. Mr Mulafia is a 26 year old Pacific Island man described as approximately 180cm (5 ft 9) tall and of medium/solid build. He is considered dangerous and should not be approached. Police urge anyone who sees Mulafia or knows of his whereabouts to call 111 or Crime stoppers on 0800 555 111 or e-mail www.crimestoppers-nz.org.
Detective Chris Smith of the Matamata-Piako CIB said that “The arrests were a direct result of response from the public to previous requests for information. I want to thank the public for the fantastic response so far but also want to re-enforce that although arrests had been made, Police are still very keen to hear from any person who may have information regarding this matter but has yet to make contact with them.” Any information can be directed to Detective Smith by contacting Hamilton Police on 07 858 6200."
