Police seek for new information on Hampton Park hit-run death
Police are seeking new information after a man described as the “heart and soul” of his family was left for dead in a hit-run crash in Hampton Park.
South East
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Police are seeking new information after a man described as the “heart and soul” of his family was left for dead in a hit-run crash in Hampton Park.
Sole Manapori, 58, died after he was struck by a car while riding his bike across the intersection of Hallam and Pound roads about 4.15am on January 6 this year.
His family pleas for more details on the incident have fallen on deaf ears for nearly three months.
“[The offender] has left our family in pain and suffering from such a tragic loss,” Sole’s great niece Mauranga Pit said at the time of his death.
“We want justice for Sole.”
It’s understood Sole was on his way to work at Yumi’s Quality Food when the driver of a red Holden Cruze sedan drove through a red light and hit him.
The driver failed to stop and fled the scene, leaving Sole for dead.
Police believe the driver was in a stolen car that was found burnt on Maylands Drive in Glen Waverley about 5am that morning.
Detective Sergeant Peter Romanis said a 29-year-old Endeavour Hills man handed himself into police on January 7 but was released without charge.
“Our investigations are ongoing as to his potential involvement,” Sgt Romanis said.
“We believe there are people out in the community that still know about certain aspects of the collision and the car being burnt.
“We are asking those people to come forward with information to help provide closure to family.”
Sgt Romanis said it was unclear whether there were one or more people in the car at the time of the crash.
“We are really asking the public to consider how they would feel if their loved one was struck, killed and essentially left to die on the side of the road,” he said.
“Whoever the driver of the car was, their mistake has cost Mr Manapori’s life.
“Everyone makes mistakes but it is important that people are held accountable for those mistakes.”
Sgt Romanis said Sole was the “heart and soul” of his extended family.
“His family have been robbed of many years with their uncle and great uncle,” he said.
“He was an integral figure in their lives.”
There have been a total of eight serious injuries and fatalities from hit-run incidents in Victoria this year.
Anyone who has dashcam footage or other information that could assist police is urged to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.
