12 Aug 2023

Palmerston North shooting: Arrest made and property searched as investigation continues

11:10 am on 12 August 2023
Stock photo.

Police are continuing to investigate a fatal shooting in Palmerston North. Photo: RNZ / Richard Tindiller

Police have executed a search warrant and made an arrest as they continue to investigate a fatal shooting in Palmerston North.

Hori Te Kouarehua James Gage, 27, was fatally shot in the region on 6 August, following a violent brawl in the central city on 4 August.

Manawatū area commander Inspector Ross Grantham said four firearms and a number of other weapons were seized from Black Power members during yesterday's operation at a property on the outskirts of the city.

Seven men affiliated with Black Power were located, four of whom were from out of town, Grantham said.

One person was arrested on breach of bail.

The warrant was part of police's response to gang tensions in Manawatū as part of an operation dubbed Operation London.

Grantham said they were continuing to talk with influential members of the Mongrel Mob and Black Power in an effort to defuse tensions and violence which has been brewing in the region.

"Police have no tolerance for the violence that played out over last weekend and the community can be reassured that police will hold people to account for unlawful behaviour."

Anyone with information can call police anonymously through Crime Stoppers on 0800 555 111.

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