Homicide investigation after body found

Shalvin Prasad. Photo / Supplied

Police have identified the body located in McRobbie Road as twenty-one year old Shalvin Prasad of Dannemora.

Shalvin is described by his family as "full of life" with family and friends being the centre of his world. "He loves to play soccer and enjoyed his job. He is probably the most innocent and naive 21-year-old you could meet".

Shalvin was reported missing to Police by his family early in the morning of 31 January 2013. His disappearance was out of character and there are no known reasons why Shalvin would go missing or take his own life.

Detective Inspector Dave Lynch of Counties-Manukau police says that police are now treating Shalvin's death as a Homicide; "based upon what we now know about Shalvin coupled with the fact his vehicle and some personal possessions are still missing it is believed that another person or persons are involved in his disappearance and death".

A key focus for the investigation team is locating the vehicle that Shelvin was last seen in when he left home on Wednesday night.

The vehicle is described as a 1994 Toyota RAV4 in good condition with the registration number ZG1674. It is mostly blue but has a faded black (giving the appearance of grey) colour around the base.

Police are appealing to members of the public for any sightings of this vehicle from 8.30pm on Wednesday night 30 January 2013. They are also seeking any members of the automobile industry who have bought such a vehicle or were asked to dispose of such a vehicle within this timeframe.

Police would also like to hear from anyone who saw or had contact with Shelvin in the week leading up to his disappearance.

Investigations have established that two vehicles left McRobbie Road at high speed on Thursday morning at approximately 6.30am just prior to the arrival of the first police vehicle. Both vehicles carried on straight through the intersection into Kingseat Road travelling in the Pukekohe direction. One vehicle was described as Blue/Silver in colour and the other was white.

Police are urging the drivers of these vehicles to come forward to be eliminated from the investigation. "This is a remote location and both drivers will be well aware that their vehicles will be of interest to the investigation. The longer they wait to come forward will increase the level of interest Police have in them and we urge them to contact us as soon as possible".

Any information can be given to Police on 09 295 0311 or to Crime-stoppers on 0800 555 111