Uptown Mini Mart surveillance system failed

The four-camera surveillance system in place at the Uptown Mini Mart malfunctioned last night, making it impossible for Police to recover any information from it about the killer of 58 year-old shop worker, Bhagubhai Vaghela.

Bhagubhai Vaghela.

Detective Inspector Bernie Hollewand said the failure of the system was a setback to the Police homicide investigation and highlighted the importance of keeping such systems operational.

Police have spoken to the owner of the Uptown Mini Mart who advised that he had tried to have the system serviced last week, but the maintenance workers weren't available until later this week.

"Obviously we're disappointed we can't recover any information from the video tape, but we've got a strong team of investigators on board and we're working methodically through the scene and other inquires today," Mr Hollewand said.

"We're looking closely at other offences throughout the greater Auckland region to see if there might be some similarities, but we're in the first day of what could be a lengthy investigation."

Mr Vaghela's body was removed from the New North Rd scene early this afternoon and a post-mortem is being carried out.

Police are urging anyone who might have seen or heard anything unusual in the area last night to contact the Auckland City CIB.

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