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Police say their criminal investigation into the death of Mangere woman Folole Muliaga will be finished early next week.
Mrs Muliaga, 44, a wife and mother of four, died in her home less than three hours after power to her home and her electrically-powered oxygen machine which helped her breathe was cut-off on May 29.
Mercury Energy ordered the power to be cut to her home because of an overdue power bill of $168.40.
Mrs Muliaga's family has criticised the police investigation, saying it has been insensitive and unnecessary.
Counties Manukau Police said the inquiry into Mrs Muliaga's death was near completion, and that advice would be sought from the Auckland Crown Solicitor office in regards to any liability.
Spokeswoman Angeline Barlow said police would not comment until a decision had been made but defended the way the case had been handled.
"Their duties often necessitate them to undertake searching inquiries in difficult circumstances," she said. "These inquiries are completed with sensitivity and professionalism."
Family spokesman Brenden Sheehan earlier this week criticised police for interviewing family members in English rather than their first language of Samoan.
He said he was also disappointed not to be let into an interview when another family support member had to leave the police station to pick up her own children, and that they had not allowed the family to grieve adequately.
"I think there is a real problem with the way police deal with other cultures," he said.
The Mercury Energy contractor who cut the power was understood to be on stress leave earlier this week and having counselling.
Mr Sheehan said nothing would be achieved by the police investigation into her death and it would be unfair to prosecute the contractor.
"What's required is an investigation into electricity companies and their procedures and practices," he said.
- NZPA
