New information is set to come to light on the case of a Tauranga man who was shot dead execution-style last year.
Police believe the death of the Tauranga man last year was a case of mistaken identity. Photo: RNZ / Richard Tindiller
David Kuka, 52, was found seriously injured at his home on Wilrose Place in Gate Pā on 11 February 2018, and died at the scene.
Police are asking for the public's help in identifying a new piece of information, which is set to air tonight on Police Ten 7.
The information will also be shared on the Police Ten 7 and Bay of Plenty Police District Facebook pages after the programme has screened.
"We believe that the community can help us get answers for Mr Kuka's family," police said in a statement.
"Someone will know something and can help us bring his family some sense of closure in solving this crime."
Police said they believed it was a premeditated attack and early indications showed it was a case of mistaken identity.
It was the same address where Lance Waite was injured a month earlier, before dying in hospital later that day, police said.
"We believe his murder is most likely connected to the death of Mongrel Mob Notorious life member Lance Waite who was shot at the same location five weeks prior to Mr Kuka's death and later died from his injuries."
Police said they were aware Mr Kuka was previously gang affiliated but that at the time of his death he was a devout Christian and kept to himself.
"He was a family man and looked out for his whanāu and friends.
"He was also a talented carver and craftsman and examples of his work are displayed in Tauranga."
Police are still seeking information about a silver sedan that was seen in the Greerton area and seen coming and going from Welcome Bay on the night of 11 February.
Police Ten 7 airs at 7.30pm tonight on TVNZ 2 and can also be watched on TVNZ 2 +1 an hour later.
Anyone with information can contact Detective Sergeant Paul Barron on 07 577 4384 or call the Police Ten 7 Information line on 0800 107 4636.
