MEDIA RELEASE

9 December 2009
4.30pm

The New Brighton Police executed five search warrants at various addresses around Christchurch today in relation to Mangu Kaha (an off-shoot gang of Black Power) and their activities. This gang's profile has become increasingly evident, particularly within the Aranui area of Christchurch. The warrants were in relation to specific activity where members of the gang are committing criminal offences and this is impacting on many members of the community in Aranui.

The warrants were successful and items of stolen property such as vehicles, drugs, and property stolen in thefts and burglaries were recovered.

Charges in relation to members of the Mangu Kaha gang and the stolen property and drugs will be laid in the coming days.

The Police are concerned about the activities of criminal gangs and this action against the Mangu Kaha gang is the first phase of our action against criminal gangs operating in and around New Brighton and the wider Christchurch area.

The New Brighton Police work closely with a large number of community groups in the Aranui area who are doing an excellent job with young persons and others through a multi-agency approach. The potential for a gang such as Mangu Kaha to take hold can seriously damage the good work that is going on in this community and will not be tolerated by the Police.

Today's warrants are only about resolving criminal offences and holding those responsible accountable for their actions. We want to support our community partners as together we go about making Aranui a safer community together.

ENDS

© Scoop Media