NZer wanted as witness to Solomons murder found

A New Zealand photographer wanted as a witness in an international murder investigation has been identified.

Bryn Evans, believed to be a witness to a murder in the Solomon Islands in 2000, was found in Auckland yesterday following an international police hunt, the Press newspaper reported.

Several Malaitan Eagle Force (MEF) rebels men are on trial in the Solomons for the murder in August 2000.

Canberra-based federal agent Marcus Tawton, of the Australian Federal Police's Pacific desk, said the murdered man had been identified as James Kuki, but no other details were available.

"We believe he (the photographer) was at least present during the events leading up to and just before the death. What the police there are hoping is that he may obviously be able to give evidence," he was quoted as saying.

Photos taken from a rebel video used as evidence in the murder inquiry show Evans following the militiamen.

The photos were sent to media in Australia and New Zealand, in an attempt to identify him.

A Press reporter recognised Evans from the pictures after meeting him several years ago in London.

New Zealand diplomats in Wellington were unaware of the police hunt, but said they had asked the High Commission in Honiara to look into the issue.

The murder happened six years ago at the height of ethnic tensions in the Solomon Islands just after MEF rebels staged a successful coup in June 2000.

- NZPA