Police have arrested and charged a man over the fatal stabbing of a dairy worker in Auckland's Sandringham.
On Wednesday night, a man in dark clothing and a bandana took the cash register drawer from Rose Cottage Superette. When worker Janak Patel followed him, he was stabbed multiple times in the street and died shortly afterwards.
Police launched a major manhunt and on Friday a 34-year-old man was arrested at a New Lynn address and charged with both aggravated robbery and Patel's murder.
A 42-year-old man has also been charged with robbery. They are both expected to appear in the Auckland District Court on Saturday November 26.
"Police hope the news of an arrest brings some reassurance to the Sandringham community after this tragic event," Detective Inspector Scott Beard, Auckland City CIB, said in a statement on Friday.
"The investigation has progressed quickly since Wednesday night and I would like to acknowledge the members of the investigation team who have worked hard to bring us to this point."
As part of the ongoing investigation Police are seeking sightings of a vehicle believed to be linked to the homicide.
It is described as a dark-coloured Honda Inspire and was seen multiple times in the area before the aggravated robbery at the superette took place.
Anyone who saw this vehicle before or after the incident took place is asked to contact Police.
There are a number of ways to contact their investigation:
- People with information can contact Police via 105 or online at https://www.police.govt.nz/use-105, using 'Update My Report'. Please quote file number 221123/3847.
- They can also email opbluebell@police.govt.nz
- People can upload photos or video by going to https://bluebell.nc3.govt.nz
- Information can also be provided anonymously via Crime Stoppers on 0800 555 111.
