John Cowpland / Stuff
A community rally is being held in Heipipi Park, outside the Gisborne District Court, to raise concerns about recent shootings in the city. (File photo)
Gisborne residents concerned about a recent spate of shootings across the city have staged a community rally in response to what they believe are escalating gang tensions.
This comes after police were called to three shootings this week, following two incidents the week before, including one in which a 12-year-old girl was shot.
Eastern Territory Commander Inspector Sam Abraham says the recent spate of shootings is worrying.
“It’s really encouraging to see our community have this kōrero and stand up to this kind of dangerous behavior that adversely affects families and whānau throughout Tairāwhiti.”
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John Cowpland / Stuff
Tairāwhiti Area Commander Inspector Sam Aberahama says the recent spate of shootings is worrying. (File photo)
A community meeting was scheduled to take place at noon on Friday in Heipipi Park, outside the Gisborne District Court, to raise concerns about recent shootings in the city. The police would also be present.
A 17-year-old was treated at Hawke’s Bay Hospital on Thursday for a gunshot wound to his finger in connection with an incident in Wairoa earlier this week, which was not reported to police.
Police also received multiple reports of gunshots from a home in the suburbs of Kaiti, Gisborne, on Thursday morning. Police found a number of patched gang members when they arrived at the property, although there was no evidence of a gun being discharged.
Shortly afterwards, police were called after shots were fired from an address in Mangapapa, but there were no reports of injuries.
GOODS
Police Secretary Chris Hipkins says the government will expand police powers over gang shootings.
Police were investigating all three incidents, including whether the latter two were related, Aberahama said.
He said there had been a number of other serious incidents involving firearms and while police were limited in what they could say at this time, he understood it was “extremely concerning” for the community.
“The police will increase our presence and patrols in these areas if necessary. We are constantly reviewing the deployment of our agents and changing it as necessary, but working with our partners and the community is key to preventing these types of violations.”
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Investigations are ongoing after police received multiple calls about gunfire at a property on Totara St near Awapuni, Gisborne, where three young people were injured last Tuesday. (File photo)
Last Tuesday, three people were injured during a drive-by shooting at Totara St near Awapuni – the second gun-related incident in Gisborne that day.
A teen was seriously injured and a woman suffered moderate injuries – both had sustained gunshot-related injuries and had been Discharged from the hospital. A 12-year-old girl was less seriously injured and had previously been discharged to her whānau.
The three are said to have stood outside the property where a large group of gang members and employees were present. The investigation into the incident was still ongoing Friday.
Aberaama previously acknowledged the distress such incidents can cause to the community.
“This behavior is completely unacceptable and is incredibly worrying when young people are injured as a result.”
Two people are in court in connection with a murder in marchwhile a murder in July remains under investigation.