Auckland prisoner van escape: Zane Hepi appears in court after arrest, co-defendant taken to hospital

Zane Hepi. Photo / NZ Police

One of the three Mt Eden remand prisoners accused of fleeing a transport van in a dramatic motorway escape last week was taken to hospital overnight after a police dog was used during his arrest.

The 45-year-old did not appear in Auckland District Court today for a first appearance. A police spokesperson said he was taken to hospital for assessment and will appear in court at a later time.

Also arrested overnight was co-defendant Zane KJ Hepi, 24, who did appear in Auckland District Court today — albeit this time via audio-video feed instead of in person.

The Rosehill resident was tight-lipped this morning as he appeared before Judge Anna Skellern, who remanded him in custody without plea after his defence lawyer told the court he was refusing to speak to her.

He was ordered to return, again via audio-video feed, in two weeks to enter a plea.

The two defendants, along with a third man who remains at large, were returning from Auckland District Court Friday afternoon when authorities said they jumped out of a transport van on the South Eastern Highway and forced their way into another motorist’s vehicle, fleeing the scene.

Escaping custody carries a maximum sentence of five years’ imprisonment. Hepi also faces up to seven years in prison if convicted of stealing a Hyundai Tucson the trio is alleged to have escaped in. The other two could face up to two years’ prison if convicted of getting into the same SUV knowing that it had been stolen.

Hepi also faces a third charge of illegally getting into a Toyota Blade during the alleged escape. However, the car was able to speed off without uninvited passengers.

Police have warned that anyone who helped the men avoid capture could face criminal charges themselves. Two people have been arrested amid the manhunt on matters unrelated to the escape and are helping with inquiries, police said.

Police said today that finding the still-missing man, aged 43, remains a priority.

“Police continue to advise the public to not approach the man still outstanding,” police said. “They should contact 111 immediately.”

Hepi, who has extensive facial tattoos, wore a grey rain jacket with the hood up as he silently observed today’s brief hearing.