A 28-year-old man, Wipuhara Kapene, faced charges of murder and possession of a firearm in the Wellington District Court today. The charges relate to the death of Albert Enoka, who was shot on Seddon Street in Naenae on 10 December. Kapene appeared via audiovisual link (AVL) from prison, and the case has been transferred to the High Court in Wellington for a hearing in January.
Although Kapene requested name suppression during his appearance, no formal application was made since his identity has already been widely reported.
Police Investigation and Arrest
According to the New Zealand Police, Kapene was arrested on 24 December following a series of search warrants in the Wairarapa area. The arrest, carried out without incident, is part of an extensive homicide investigation launched after Mr Enoka’s death. Police say Mr Enoka was critically injured in the mid-afternoon shooting and died at the scene despite emergency responders’ efforts.
Detective Senior Sergeant, who leads the investigation, says the arrest is a step towards providing justice and reassurance to Mr Enoka’s family and the local community. “We are grateful to the Hutt Valley community for their assistance in this case,” he says.
Ongoing Appeal for Information
Police continue to seek information to complete the investigation, particularly CCTV footage capturing moments before, during, or after the incident. A dedicated online portal has been created for community members to upload relevant footage using the reference number 241210/3356 under Operation Ratio. Anonymous tips can also be submitted through Crime Stoppers at 0800 555 111.
This high-profile case has left a lasting impact on the Naenae community, and the forthcoming High Court proceedings are anticipated to provide further clarity on the tragic events.