Hapai Ropata Clyde Otene, 33, Shooting at Sylvia Park in Auckland, NZ; Obituary 

AUCKLAND, New Zealand — The family of Hapai Ropata Clyde Otene, 33, is mourning after he was fatally shot by police outside Sylvia Park shopping mall following a police pursuit.

Otene was identified as the man who died during the incident, which prompted a major police response and a lockdown at parts of the shopping centre. Multiple gunshots were reported as armed officers responded to the developing situation.

According to information shared by his family, Otene was a father of five and had been with his partner for 17 years. He was also reportedly the second eldest of nine siblings.

His family said they were struggling to process the loss as they navigated what they described as a profound and deeply painful time.

The incident began after a rifle was reportedly stolen from Gun City in Penrose before a white Suzuki Swift was involved in a crash near Sylvia Park. Police pursued the vehicle as the situation developed, eventually leading to the fatal police shooting outside the shopping centre.

Witnesses described hearing several gunshots and seeing a large number of police and emergency vehicles surrounding the area. Parts of Sylvia Park were placed into lockdown while officers secured the scene and responded to the reported threat.

The incident has left Otene’s family and those who knew him facing an unexpected loss, while authorities continue to investigate the circumstances surrounding the pursuit and shooting.

Separately, emergency services responded to another incident at Gun City Penrose the following day. Hato Hone St John said one person was transported to Auckland City Hospital in serious condition after being wounded.

The circumstances surrounding Otene’s death remain subject to investigation. His family is now grieving the loss of a father, partner, brother and loved one whose life ended in a dramatic and deeply distressing incident.

Otene is survived by his five children and partner, along with his wider family and loved ones.