Police response to 3rd Degree programme

31 July 2013

Statement from Assistant Commissioner Malcolm Burgess:

Police acknowledge the courage of the victim of Malcolm Rewa who spoke to the 3rd Degree programme tonight.

We can assure her and all of Rewa’s victims that police did everything within its powers at the time to investigate the rapes which were then taking place in Auckland.

Naturally it is disappointing that Rewa was not caught earlier but, when he was finally identified through DNA evidence, police were able to apprehend him and prevent further victims.

The offending of Rewa is among the most serious crime which police investigate. There is no lack of will in any detective to thoroughly investigate this offending.

Police absolutely reject any suggestion that the investigation into these other rape cases was somehow "parked" because it was unhelpful to the Pora case.

ENDS

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