Tullamarine police shooting: Family pays tribute to Taniela Ahokava

The family of a burglary suspect shot dead by police have slammed the force, as a court heard it wasn’t the 23-year-old’s first time evading the law.

Relatives of a burglary suspect who police shot dead have lashed the force’s actions, declaring “it’s taken the heart of our family”.

Taniela Ahokava, 23, was shot dead after a police officer he’d pinned against a wall in a stolen van opened fire.

The officer — gripped with pain like nothing he’d experienced — feared he’d never see his children again

But Ahokava’s sister Nenisi Poleo on Wednesday told the Coroners Court the family would never understand the actions of police.

“They have taken the heart of our family and we will forever be broken for as long as we shall live,’’ she said.

“I will forever be missing my dearest brother whose life was cut short due to unforeseen actions by members of the police force who are advised to protect fellow citizens in any circumstances.”

Taniela Ahokava, 23, was shot by a police officer he had pinned against a wall.

Ahokava, brother Penisimani Ahokava and friend Joshua Iviiti — all wanted over a series of burglaries — had led police on a wild chase through St Albans and Tullamarine before dumping their ute and running to an industrial estate early on September 2, 2016.

Ahokava stole a van from a warehouse, the vehicle smashing into the officer and pushing him against a wall.

Ms Poleo told the court she was hanging out washing at her Sydney when told her brother had died.

“I literally screamed on the top of my lungs, dropped to the ground and started to cry,’’ she said.

“I said: ‘No, no. Not Taniela. It can’t be true’.

“I cried so hard that I could not breathe.

“I couldn’t fulfil my duties as a mother to my children as my heart ached and longed to see and hold my brother one last time.

“The pain is indescribable. My brother Taniela was just like my very own as I looked after him when he was so young. His life was taken away from us so soon — my heart ached like it was just being ripped out of my chest. My brother was a loving and kind hearted person.”

CCTV footage shows Ahokava and two accomplices smash their way out of a Tullamarine warehouse before a police officer, pinned against a wall, shot the 23-year-old dead.

Ahokava’s mum Setsita Ahokava, who had been living in Tonga with his dad, told the court the actions of police were “unforgettable”.

“It still haunts me every day,’’ she said.

“I wonder how I could change this outcome.

“Not enough words can express our massive loss of our beautiful son.”

Coroner Paresa Spanos is expected to in September deliver her findings into Ahokava’s death.

A lawyer for the family questioned evidence the van Ahokava drove lurched forward before the officer fired.

But counsel assisting Catherine Fitzgerald told the court CCTV evidence and witness accounts were unequivocal.

Ms Fitzgerald refuted suggestions a determination to arrest clouded the judgement of police, telling the court the fleeing trio were “seasoned” in evading police and in no way panicked.

“It’s not an arrest for the sake of an arrest,’’ she said.

“It’s an arrest for public safety.”

Ahokava, who also used the first names Kuela and Guelah, was one of nine children.

The Deer Park man, who had a young son, undertook a mechanics course and another in painting and decorating.

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