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Force used by police to detain a man at Ōrere Point did not contribute to his death, the Independent Police Conduct Authority (IPCA) has found.
However, some language used by officers was found to be inappropriate.
On March 2 last year, police located a vehicle in the Papakura area sought in connection with two aggravated robberies where a firearm had been presented.
This vehicle was tracked to the beach at Ōrere Point. Faasala Samu Matue exited the vehicle brandishing a metal pole, acting aggressively towards police, and resisting arrest, police assert.
“Force was used to try and bring Mr Matue under control, during which he bit the finger of an attending officer,” says Counties Manukau District Commander, Superintendent Shanan Gray.
After he was restrained, Matue’s condition deteriorated and, despite first aid efforts, he passed away at the scene, Gray confirms.
Today, the IPCA’s independent investigation has found that force used by police to detain Matue did not contribute to his death.
Police note the findings of a post-mortem which found Matue had swallowed a large amount of methamphetamine. It also found MDMA, cannabis and alcohol in his bloodstream.
Police have acknowledged the IPCA’s findings that determined that all but two instances of force used by police were justified. However, it also found language used by two officers was inappropriate.
“This was a tragic outcome for everyone concerned and our thoughts are with Mr Matue’s family,” Gray says.
“I would [also] like to acknowledge our staff who were dealing with an extremely volatile and confronting incident at the time.
“The language and unjustified use of force identified in the report was unacceptable and a departure from our values,” she adds. “While we cannot comment on the specifics of the employment process that followed, the officers involved are still employed by New Zealand Police.”
