Christchurch Police have jointly charged two men with the murder of Sameera Chandrasena at Oxford last Thursday [23 February].
The two Sri Lankan men, aged 23 and 33, have been in custody since Saturday on unrelated matters. They are also charged with the arson of Mr Chandrasena's residence at Domain Road, Oxford.
Detective Inspector Virginia Le Bas says the charges have come about as a result of thorough investigative work by Police, ESR and Fire Service investigators.
"There have been a number of threads to this investigation and we have also had to contend with a crime scene that was severely fire-damaged," Detective Inspector Le Bas says.
"I would also like to thank the Sri Lankan community for their cooperation and assistance, which has been invaluable."
Detective Inspector Le Bas says formal identification of Mr Chandrasena has now been completed and his body will be released to his family in due course.
The scene examination at the Oxford property remains ongoing today. Police also continue to ask for sightings of a white Mitsubishi Chariot 7-seater vehicle, in the early hours of Thursday 23 February, between Oxford and Christchurch.
Anyone with information on the vehicle is asked to contact Christchurch police on (03) 3637400, or to provide information anonymously, contact Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.
ENDS