Attributable to Detective Inspector Daryl Smith:
Police are now able to release the name of the man who’s body was recovered, in Meremere on Tuesday, 15 February.
He was Abdul Kareem, aged 40, of Mangere, Auckland.
Waikato Police are now treating this case as a homicide and extend our condolences to Mr Kareem’s family at this difficult time.
Mr Kareem was located deceased by a member of the public in the Whangamarino River on Tuesday afternoon.
Police are appealing for information from anyone who used the boat ramp on Island Block Road on 15 February.
Police also continue to seek information from anyone who was in the area of Island Block Road, Island Block Road bridge and the Whangamarino River on 15 February, between midday and 5:00pm.
If you were driving the road during this time and noticed any suspicious activity, please make contact.
Thank-you to those members of the public who have come forward with information that has assisted the enquiry.
We understand these incidents can be distressing, but please be reassured we will hold any offender/s to account.
Police want to encourage anyone who can provide information that might assist to come forward and speak with us.
Information can be provided via 105, or anonymously to Crime Stoppers on 0800 555 111.
Please quote file number 220215/4486.
ENDS
Issued by Police Media Centre