Pair charged over Ravenhall drive-by shooting of dad of five
Two men have been charged with murder after father-of-five Ikenasio Tuivasa was gunned down in a Ravenhall drive-by, in what’s believed to be a case of mistaken identity.
Police & Courts
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Homicide detectives have made a significant breakthrough over the fatal drive-by shooting of a beloved father, believed to be a case of mistaken identity.
Ikenasio “Sio” Tuivasa, 33, was outside All Star Lounge in Ravenhall on February 27 when multiple shots were fired from the passenger side of a Toyota Hilux SR5 ute about midnight.
Police on Wednesday charged two men over his alleged murder.
A 26-year-old Hoppers Crossing man was arrested on Tuesday and subsequently charged with murder and intentionally cause serious injury.
A 26-year-old Cairnlea man was arrested on Wednesday morning and has also been charged with murder and intentionally cause serious injury.
One of the men, Nikola Latuhoi, appeared before Judge Michael McNamara in Melbourne Magistrates’ Court on Wednesday and was remanded in custody until his next appearance on November 17.
A second man charged with the shooting death of father-of-five also fronted court on Wednesday afternoon.
Sekomain Vave briefly appeared in the Melbourne Magistrates’ Court where he was charged with murder.
Mr Vave made no application for bail and will return to court on November 17.
Police also executed five warrants at properties in Cairnlea, Hoppers Crossing, Sunshine West, Weir Views and Robinvale as part of the investigation.
A 34-year-old Endeavour Hills man was also seriously injured by the bullets, who at the time told the Herald Sun it was “random”.
“Wrong time, wrong place,” the victim said.
Assistant Commissioner Bob Hill from the Crime Command said police would continue to bring justice for those impacted by senseless acts of violence.
“We know that incidents such as this, which involve firearms, cause significant concern across the broader community,” Mr Hill said.
“The indiscriminate use of illicit firearms remains a key focus for Victoria Police and we are committed to holding those involved in this type of offending to account.
“Information from the public is key and anyone with knowledge of those owning, using or trafficking illicit firearms can provide this to police anonymously via Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.”
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