Police will have a visible presence around the region today during Enoka’s funeral.
Police are urging the public to use their online portal to share “crucial” evidence relating to the murder of a prominent gang member in Lower Hutt last week.
About 140 police officers are today monitoring the funeral of Albert Enoka, 39, who was shot dead in the street after a verbal altercation in Naenae.
His death has prompted a manhunt for the alleged shooter, 28-year-old Wipuhara Kapene, who remains on the run.
Police have set up an online portal that members of the public can use to share CCTV, videos, and photos that may help the investigation.
A black Mercedes Saloon, KRP453, was the getaway car after a man was shot dead in Naenae, Lower Hutt. Photo / Police
“As part of our ongoing inquiries we are looking to establish the movements of the pictured black Mercedes, registration KRP453, shortly before and after 3.10pm in Naenae on Tuesday, December 10. We also are wanting to establish what other vehicles and persons were in the area around the time of the shooting,” Detective Inspector Haley Ryan said.
Particular areas of interest include Seddon Street, Judd Crescent, Wood Grove, Keys St, Waddington Drive, Naenae Road, Hay St, and Waiwhetu Rd.
Police say Wipuhara Kapene, 28, is wanted for the murder of Albert Enoka in Naenae, Lower Hutt. Photo / Police
“Police have created an online portal with a link attached that allows members of our community to upload private CCTV and video footage.
“We ask anyone with footage or images that may assist to please upload it here https://ratio.nc3.govt.nz/"
Meanwhile, the public are reminded that Kapene is considered dangerous and should not be approached.
He has links across Wellington, and in the Wairarapa area and Eastern district.
Meanwhile, police say they are maintaining a visible presence in the Hutt Valley and Porirua areas today.
“The funeral for the victim of the homicide in Naenae last week is being farewelled at a funeral in Wainuiomata this morning, followed by a procession through Hutt Valley to Porirua where he will be laid to rest at Whenua Tapu cemetery.”
Officers from throughout the region are joined by specialist teams and officers from outside the Wellington area to help monitor Enoka’s tangi.
Acting Hutt Valley area commander Inspector Shaun Lingard said police would be monitoring the funeral and procession to ensure family and mourners could grieve safely and within the law.
“We’ve got approximately 140 staff available for this operation.
“I would say that’s a reasonably large number of police, but as they say it’s better to be prepared.”
This included police from outside the Wellington region alongside specialist teams. Checkpoints would be in place to monitor the procession, and officers patrolling.
Albert Enoka, also known as Alby, died after being shot in Lower Hutt.
Lingard said their thoughts were with Enoka’s family.
“Our aim is to provide the space for them and other attendees to grieve while ensuring the law is upheld,” he said.
“We have maintained contact with the community, and gang leaders and members, prior to the funeral and have set clear expectations around behaviour.”
Police will have checkpoints to monitor the procession and officers will be patrolling relevant areas.
“Unlawful behaviour will not be tolerated,” he said.
Anyone with immediate concerns for safety should call 111. If anyone is reporting matters after the fact, they should contact 105 either online or over the phone.
There is likely to be some traffic disruption in the late morning in Lower Hutt, particularly around Wainuiomata, Lower Hutt and the highway network between the Hutt Valley and Porirua.
Police yesterday released Kapene’s name and photo, saying he was wanted for the murder of Enoka.
It is understood Kapene is a Black Power gang member. Enoka had previously been the president of the Christchurch chapter of the Rebels Motorcycle gang, but it is understood he had recently joined the Tribesmen.
“Police consider Kapene to be armed and dangerous and he should not be approached. If you see him, call 111 immediately,” Ryan said yesterday.
Information after the fact can be reported to police online now or via 105, using the reference number 241210/3356, or reference Operation Ratio. Information can also be provided anonymously via Crime Stoppers on 0800 555 111.
“It is likely Kapene is receiving help and police will look to prosecute anyone harbouring or assisting him,” Ryan said.
“Please contact police immediately if you have any information that may help.”
Detective Inspector John Van Den Heuvel speaks to media about the homicide investigation. Photo / Melissa Nightingale
Police were nearby when Enoka was shot last week after a verbal altercation in Seddon St, but despite arriving on the scene within five minutes, they did not see the shooter or his associates and could not save the former Rebels gang president.
District manager of criminal investigations Detective Inspector John Van Den Heuvel earlier told media the shooter was described as being about 30with a large build and full facial tattoos covering his whole face, including forehead, cheeks and chin.
Police were quick to recover the getaway car yesterday – a black 2008 Mercedes saloon, registration KRP453 – but had not found the gun used in the attack.
The car was found at a property in Judd Cres and police wanted to hear from anyone who saw it, Van Den Heuvel said.
While police were still working on what happened, “this does appear, though, to be an incident between known parties who are gang associates or gang members”.
“So you’re asking if there’s likely to be any retaliation? We don’t see any information to lead us to believe that.”
When asked whether police knew if the victim and attacker belonged to different gangs or the same gang, Van Den Heuvel said “we know the people involved have links to gangs and we’re still trying to unravel exactly what that looks like”.
He said police didn’t yet know what the motive was for the shooting.
He urged anyone with information “big or small” to speak to police.
The Seddon St property in Naenae where the shooting took place. Photo / Melissa Nightingale
Another woman, who said she had lived in Seddon St “forever”, was out the back of her property when she heard sirens and assumed the incident was further away.
When she eventually came out front she was told by police to go back inside.
The woman said what happened was “incredible” and she was “shocked”.
“It’s sad, really, I’m still shocked about it,” she said.
Another resident said the broad daylight attack was “just something to process, I guess”.
Melissa Nightingale is a Wellington-based reporter who covers crime, justice, and news in the capital. She joined the Herald in 2016 and has worked as a journalist for 10 years.
