15 Nov 2023

Man charged with murder of Charles Pongi

12:17 pm on 15 November 2023
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Police have charged a 24-year-old man with the August murder of Charles Pongi in Point England. Photo: RNZ / Richard Tindiller

A 24-year-old Mt Albert man has been charged with the murder of Charles Pongi in the Auckland suburb of Point England.

The 32-year-old was shot in Taurima Reserve in August, during a gathering of more than 70 members from three gangs.

Detectives and the Armed Offenders Squad executed five search warrants across Auckland on Wednesday morning.

Auckland City CIB detective inspector Glenn Baldwin said a 24-year-old man had been charged with "murder, assault, and unlawful possession of a firearm".

A second man, from Weymouth, has been charged with discharging a firearm with intent to intimidate, and unlawful possession of a firearm, which police allege was "part of the significant violence at the suburban park on 5 August".

Both men are due to appear in the Auckland District Court today.