26 June 2006

Iwi leader calls for gang restraint over twins’ death

Nga Puhi leader David Rankin has called for gang members not to take the law into their own hands over the recent deaths of the three-month-old twins in South Auckland.

Mr Rankin has been approached by two gang representatives who have stated their wish to pursue muru (Maori justice) against those present when the twins were fatally injured.

‘I have urged them to allow the Pakeha justice system to take its course’, says Mr. Rankin, ‘but every day that passes, the desire for utu (revenge) is intensifying. I believe it is just a matter of time before gang retribution takes place’, he says.

Mr. Rankin wishes to urge the family at the centre of the investigations to cooperate fully with the Police for fear that if they do not, Maori forms of justice might start to appear.

‘My main concern is that no more harm is done’, says Mr. Rankin, ‘but it is getting to the point where preventing further violence will be like trying to holds back a tidal wave’

ENDS

© Scoop Media