Venkat Raman
Auckland, March 21, 2021
The New Zealand Police have named the victims of the couple murdered in Epsom, Auckland on Friday, March 19, 2021.
They are Herman Bangera (60) and his wife Elizabeth Bangera (55).
They are reported to have been killed in their home on Friday Morning- about 1130 am. A man said to be related to the couple and involved with the incident is in a critical but stable condition at the Auckland Hospital.
Detective Inspector Scott Beard, who is leading the investigation, said that the man in the hospital will be interviewed when his health condition permits.
Post-mortem completed
“The post-mortem examination of the bodies of the victims have been completed but the forensic examination of the scene of the incident is continuing and the investigation team is continuing to speak to people connected with the family. We are not seeking anyone else in connection with this tragedy. Another person, who sustained superficial wounds was a close family. He has been discharged from the hospital,” he said.
Mr Beard thanked members of the public who provided useful information.
“Our thoughts are with the families and friends who have been involved with this tragic incident,” he said.
Colleagues mourn Ms Bangera
Elizabeth Bangera was employed as Group Services Coordinator at the School of Pharmacy (Faculty or Medical and Health Sciences) at the University of Auckland.
A spokesperson for the University said that Ms Bangera as a part of the Varsity community for many years.
“We are shocked and saddened by this news. She was a highly respected colleague and friend. Support and trauma counselling is available to anyone in the University affected by this tragic incident,” he said.
Herman Bangera was employed at Fisher & Paykel Healthcare.
Family harm issue
As reported yesterday (Saturday), the Police said that the incident appeared to be a family harm matter and that despite being provided with first aid the man and the woman died at the scene on Friday.
No risk to communities
Mr Beard said that the Bangeras were stabbed at that the incident took place inside the house.
“We are satisfied that it was not a random attack. We acknowledge that the tragic incident will be concerning to the wider communities. We want to reassure the public that we do not believe that there is any wider risk to the community,” he said.
Dr Ranjana Gupta who had known the deceased woman. Details of our conversation will be published later. Ms Gupta is a former neighbour of the deceased woman and had known her well.
