NZ Police has acknowledged an Independent Police Conduct Authority (IPCA) inquiry report which has found that the fatal shooting of Samuel Fakalago in Wellington last year was justified.
“This was a complex and rapidly evolving incident in which Mr Fakalago put a woman in serious danger and made violent threats toward Police,” Police said in a statement.
“Mr Fakalago held a knife to the woman’s throat, dragging her towards him. Police made repeated appeals for him to release the knife and the woman, however he failed to do so.”
Police say officers considered the options available to them, and Mr Fakalago was subsequently shot.
Wellington District Commander Superintendent Corrie Parnell says Police are forced to make quick decisions to keep people safe, and the decision to use lethal force is not something officers ever want to do.
“It is always a last resort.”
“I am confident the officers involved took the only option available to them in the circumstances to ensure the woman’s safety and prevent further harm,” Superintendent Parnell said.
