MOTU RIVER MURDER

Dominion, Volume 15, Issue 42, 12 November 1921, Page 6

MOTU RIVER MURDER

VICTIM SHOT IN THE HEAD PELLETS FOUND IN BRAIN By Telegraph—Pre»» Aseoolation. Gisborne, November 11. A message, from Opotiki states that a. post-mortem examination on Zam Bukka, the Assyrian hawker, had definitely disclosed that tne victim had been shot in the head at close range. Twenty pellets had been extracted from the head, fifteen being located in the brain: The charge entered between the eye and nose. An investigation of the murder is being made by Inspector Hutton and Detective McLeod, who to-day are at. the scene of the tragedy. Zam Bukka left the village of Maranui for Chpaio, nine miles distant, on Fridav last,-his departure being witnessed by r ?7a,tiyes, and whilst crossing the Motu River was passed in mid-streain bv a Native named Pauru Namaki. After crossing the river the deceased had proceeded‘only a short distance before being bailed up and shot. Deceased was killed on the track, and the body carried or dragged a distance of 20 yards, where it was subsequently' discovered, face downwards, and partly covered with logs and driftwood. The scene of the shooting was marked by a pool of blood, covered by a jog?-- 1-- .' DECEASED’S POCKETS RIFLED WOOD HEAPED ON THE BODY. . By Telecraph-Press Association. Opotiki, November 11. Further details regarding the murder of the Assyrian hawker, whose full name was Paul Zambuka. were supplied to « "Gne.rdinn” representative to-day by Mr. C. Shalfoon. Mr. Shnlfoon stated, that he accompanied. Constable. Btekelfy to the scene of the tragedy On Wedneiday last. They were met at the Motu Riverbed with the news that Maoris who had been searching for the body of Zambuka had located it behind piles of driftwood about thirfv feet from the track across the river. The wood that had been heaped on the body was nt once removed, and revealed the murdered man face' downwards. ■ Turning the body over it was. found that he had - lieen - shot full in the face. His pockets had nil been rifled; they w-ein inside out. The only possessions left were a wristlet watch and a tobacco pouch in the breaSt .pocket of the coat. - - '

Tn conversaGon with a Native internreter. Mr. Rh-nlfoon learned.- that the former liad been Conversing with Zambuka not more than a chain distant from th“ spot where the crime was committed. The Motu River is a series of about six streams with gravel beds' between them. .On one of these gravel I>eus a pool of blood was found. j - ■ A curious feature is /that the interpreter did not hear any shot fired. The obvious explanation appears to be that the murdered man was detained for some time before the attack was-made. Tho body was brought to Opotiki yesterday. A post-mortem examination revealed seventeen No. 5 shots on. tne An inquest will be opened this afternoon It. will probably, b* adjourned after identification. Mr. Shalfoon has already identified the body as teat of Pan! Zambuka. It is understood deceased leaves a wife and two children, wlio reside in Auckland.