Vigil in Ponsonby for Robert Horne, the man who died on Tuesday night outside a nightclub. Photo / Alex Burton
Vigil in Ponsonby for Robert Horne, the man who died on Tuesday night outside a nightclub. Photo / Alex Burton
A vigil has been held for Robert Sidney Horne who was shot dead while out on Ponsonby Rd last Sunday near the site of the shooting.
Horne was shot and killed by Hone Kay-Selwyn during a night out in Ponsonby on May 5.
People started laying candles on a crate shortly before 5pm. Several bouquets of flowers were tied to a lamp-post under a sign that says “Ka Aroha Hoki”.
Reverend Prince Devanandan said in a speech: “To many as we know, Robert’s death is an irreplaceable loss to all.
“No one knows the reason he lost his life here in the space where we are standing.”
“Now give us strength and courage to leave him in your care.”
Addressing the nature of Horne’s tragic death, the reverend said: “The man with the gun has caused unbearable pain to Robert’s loved ones and disturbed our peace here in this community.
“If I am allowed to speak for Ponsonby, I want to state this should never happen to anyone here in Ponsonby.”
Robert Sidney Horne was remembered in a vigil on Ponsonby Rd tonight. Photo / Supplied
Talking later, Devanandan said someone in the community asked him to do the service.
”We did not expect such a big crowd,” he said.
”The community is shaken by what happened and we need to do something to comfort them.”To close the life of Robert, in such a way, in the same place he lost his life. That was the purpose and the community felt very into it.”
Devanandan said the death of Kay-Selwyn was also another life lost. ”While we are praying for Robert’s peace, that man’s life was also lost, he needs to rest in peace”
On Monday, a Facebook post from a family member said his death was “tragic and sudden” and they were feeling “deep sadness”.
A long-time friend of Horne’s said he was a “very likeable guy” and was “loved by everyone”.
He said Horne had a partner and was planning on having children.
Yesterday, the Herald revealed Horne and his flatmate, Amanda Gada, had starred in an episode of TVNZ reality show The Dog House NZ, a show that matches Kiwi families and friends with dogs.
The pair featured prominently in the first episode of season one in February last year, laughing and joking as they met and adopted a young male staffy cross, Fred, a rescue dog from Northland.
Shooting shocks Central Auckland suburb
The deadly incident rocked the upmarket Auckland suburb, with police revealing the violent encounter was a chance meeting between strangers.
Police said Kay-Selwyn tried to enter a bar on Ponsonby Rd on Sunday night, however, he was turned away as the bar was about to close. He was then seen lingering on the footpath and heading towards Richmond Rd.
About 10.15pm, four late-night revellers, including victim Robert Horne, got out of a parked car on Ponsonby Rd and walked in Kay-Selwyn’s direction.
A group of people have gathered at the site where Robert Horne was gunned down on Sunday night. Photo / David Williams
Police believe the gunman fired multiple shots at the group near Glengarry Wines and Bhana Brothers dairy.
He was having a drink at the Chapel Bar but left at 10pm.
He said the street was often packed on Sunday nights with those attending “Sunday sessions” and there was a lot of music and dancing.
A Ponsonby Rd worker said he saw a man lying on the footpath after being gunned down in central Auckland on Sunday. “I saw the body.”
There was screaming and shouting after the man was shot, he said.
Gunman found dead near Taupō
Kay-Selwyn was found dead at a property near Taupō on Tuesday. Police said there were no suspicious circumstances and the death had been referred to the Coroner.
Funeral preparations are under way for the gunman’s funeral. It is expected to attract a significant number of gang members.
