Man arrested over Wellington taxi driver shooting

  • 22/11/2017

A man has been arrested following the shooting of a Wellington taxi driver on Saturday night.

Police located the suspect at a Strathmore address on Tuesday night. He has been charged with wounding with intent to cause grievous bodily harm.

The 26-year-old man will appear in the Wellington District Court on Wednesday morning.

Alem Tesema spent two days in hospital after a dispute over a taxi fare turned ugly as he drove two passengers from Courtenay Place to Stone St.

After being shot, he managed to get to a nearby service station, before emergency services took him to Wellington Hospital.

Mr Tesema has had surgery on his right shoulder and is now recovering at home.

He told Newshub he would never forget the night of the shooting.

He arrived in New Zealand as a refugee from Ethiopia 20 years and has been driving taxis for 15 years, but he is too afraid to return to the job.

"It's not easy to take away from your brain really, still I am thinking about it - I am still in shock."

The Ethiopian Community in Wellington is fundraising to support Mr Tesema while he is unable to work.  

Detective Senior Sergeant Warwick McKee says Tuesday night's arrest is a "good result".

"[It] should provide some reassurance both to the victim and the wider community.

"We'd like to thank the public for their assistance in this matter."

The investigation is ongoing, and police would still like to hear from anyone who has information which could assist our enquiries.

Information can be provided to Wellington Police on (04) 381 2000, or anonymously via Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.

Newshub.