Six homicides stretch south Auckland police resources

The weekend baseball-bat attack which is likely to claim the life of an Otahuhu teen has forced Counties Manukau police to launch their sixth homicide investigation in three months.

With a dedicated team of 18 working on the latest inquiry, officers are stretched to the limit and a number of other cases are being put on hold.

Operation Galaxy was launched on Saturday night after an attack in Otara which is expected to claim the life of the 17-year-old victim by the end of the week.

It follows several other high-profile homicide inquiries, the first of which started in June with the deaths of Chris and Cru Kahui.

The twins' murder remains unsolved, despite a dedicated team of 17 officers remaining on the case.

Four of the other homicides have already been solved, but several police remain on the cases preparing them for court.

As a result, a total of 123 Counties Manukau staff are tied up on homicide or serious crimes that have occurred in the district since June.

Counties Manukau district commander Superintendent Steve Shortland said an extra 13 staff were brought in from other districts last week to assist but they too are now working on the recent homicides.

Mr Shortland said it was unusual for the district to have so many homicides in such a short space of time.

THE CASES

In the Counties Manukau area:

* June 18: Kahui Twins: Unsolved

* July 9: Kelly Lawrence, 19 : Arrest made

* July 16: Haruru Pekepo, 19 : Arrests made.

* Aug 12: Pilikitisua Neru, 46: Arrests made.

* Aug 18: Faatetai Lafolua, 24: Arrest made.

* Sep 2: 17-year-old Otara teen fighting for his life.