A gang turf war gripped the South Auckland suburb in late 2020, forcing a school into lock down and armed police to patrol the streets. Community leaders are now warning the cycle of violent retribution could continue in 2021, unless radical interventions are made.
Community workers in Ōtara, from left, Shardae Komene, Sully Paea and Judy Speight.
Photo: Supplied.
The violent altercations that loomed large in Ōtara last year could return in 2021 if new gangs continue to challenge the Killer Beez control of the drug market, according to a source with close links to the gang.
Late last year there was a series of violent run-ins between rival gangs, including an incident where shots were heard outside a school, forcing pupils and teachers at Mayfield Primary into lockdown as a security precaution. On November 24, police arrested an 18-year-old man and charged him in relation to the shootings.