Second Man Charged in Auckland Courier Driver’s 2024 Shooting Death
A 35-year-old man has been charged with murder in connection with the 2024 shooting death of Auckland courier driver Saia Kokohu Vi, also known as Tuipulotu Vi. This marks the second arrest in the ongoing investigation, dubbed ‘Operation Block,’ launched after the shooting on August 19, 2024, on Marvon Downs Ave in Pakūranga Heights.
Details of the Shooting and Initial Investigation
Saia Kokohu Vi, 59, was shot while inside his Post Haste courier van just before 7 a.m. As he was leaving for work. Despite the efforts of first responders, he died at the scene New Zealand Herald. Police initiated a homicide investigation, ‘Operation Block,’ immediately following the incident.
Previous Arrest and Ongoing Investigation
In September 2025, approximately 13 months after the shooting, a 23-year-old man from Ōtara was arrested and charged with being party to Vi’s murder Stuff. Police have indicated that further arrests are possible New Zealand Herald.
New Developments: Second Suspect Charged
The 35-year-old Waiuku man, whose identity has not been publicly released, is scheduled to appear in the Manukau District Court. Detective Inspector Shaun Vickers of Counties Manukau CIB stated that the arrest is a result of months of meticulous work by the homicide team Kaniva Tonga.
Additional Information Revealed
Court documents reveal that another suspect, Tanginoa Pahulu Tangi, 26, was charged with murder in October 2024, shortly after the shooting. He is alleged to have fired the fatal shot. Suppression orders protected details of the case, including the potential for Tangi’s extradition from California, where he was later arrested in August 2024 in connection with a separate shooting described as a “targeted attack” New Zealand Herald.
Authorities are also investigating potential links to other shootings, including one at a property on Rambler Cres in Beach Haven in July 2024, where the 35-year-old suspect was residing at the time. Vi’s son is facing charges of money laundering and drug importing and his sister and her partner are also facing drug and money laundering charges New Zealand Herald.
Police confirmed a “familial link” between the addresses targeted in the shootings, but have stated there is no indication that Vi was involved in any criminal activity New Zealand Herald.