Tributes are pouring in for the Tongan grandfather who was gunned down in his courier van on his way to work, describing him as a kind and smiling man.
Relatives and friends have named him as Saia Kokohu Vi.
The victim, named by family and friends as Saia Kokohu Vi, was allegedly shot dead inside a vehicle on Marvon Downs Ave.
One tribute said “RIP Dad” while others sent prayers to Vi’s family and loved ones.
His employer Post Haste said it was “devastated” over his death and was offering support to the slain worker’s colleagues.
“We are devastated to hear of the death of one of our Post Haste courier contractors in the tragic incident at Marvon Downs Avenue, Pakuranga yesterday morning,” said a spokesperson.
“Our sincere condolences are with his family and friends.
“We are offering counselling support to our team and appreciate their support of each other at this sad time.”
The Herald understands Vi lived with his wife, daughter and two grandchildren.
A woman who raced to the aid of the slain man described him as a doting grandfather who loved his grandchildren. She had no clue why he was targeted.
The Marvon Downs Ave resident, who wished to remain anonymous, said she ran out to the crashed courier van after hearing a volley of shots that sounded like “they were just outside [her] window”.
“I ran outside and saw our next-door neighbour’s courier van had driven into our neighbour’s fence.
The man was found inside a courier van with a gunshot wound and died at the scene. Photo / Jason Oxenham
“He got shot at the intersection [of Pixie Place and Marvon Downs Ave] and then his vehicle had rolled into the fence.
“As soon as I saw that, me and my partner ran over to see if he was still alive and if we could save him, but he was already gone.”
