Operation Mainland release 10
31 July 2008
A baby's placenta, missing when a car it was stored in was stolen from a Morrinsville marae, will be returned to its family today.
The car, a white Subaru Impreza WRX, was stolen from the Rukumoana Marae on Sunday morning.
Later that day Police investigating the murder of Desmond Arahanga found the car in the shed of a Matamata home.
Operation Mainland enquiry head, Detective Senior Sergeant Greg Nicholls, said initial attempts to contact the car and placenta's owners were unsuccessful.
"Following this the car underwent forensic examination in connection with our enquiry, the family were notified yesterday of its' recovery and that they could uplift the vehicle today.
"It would be speculating to comment on why the car was stolen at this stage," said Mr Nicholls.
Meanwhile the investigation into Mr Arahanga's murder is continuing with Police interviewing more people today.
"The focus is narrowing as more information comes to hand," said Mr Nicholls.
End