A 25 year-old unemployed Auckland man will appear in the Auckland District Court today [Saturday] charged with the murder last Sunday - June 19 - of 58 year-old Bhagubhai Vaghela in the Uptown Mini Mart at 83 New North Rd.
The accused will also face four charges of aggravated robbery relating to incidents in Glendene, Auckland City, Henderson and Balmoral on June 9, 10, 11 and 18 respectively.
The man was arrested by armed officers in the west Auckland suburb of Kelston last night after wide-ranging inquiries carried out by Auckland City and North Shore/Waitakere Police.
Detective Inspector Bernie Hollewand, officer in charge of the homicide investigation, said last night's development was heartening and the result of a lot of hard work by dedicated staff.
"There's still plenty of work to be done though and we still want to gather as much information about the events of the night of June 19 from members of the public as we can. People are still invited to call the Operation Rendall 0800 number - 0800 736 325 - with details that might assist the investigation team."
ENDS
Issued by Noreen Hegarty
Auckland City Police Communications Manager
Ph 09 302 6947 or 0274-951-589
Website: www.police.govt.nz