Indian-origin man murdered in New Zealand

A man and woman have been charged with the murder of a man of Indian-origin, Davender Singh, in New Zealand's Auckland city. He was found dead in a car Thursday evening.

The 28-year-old man and the woman, aged 31, briefly appeared in the Manukau District Court Saturday morning and were jointly charged with Singh's murder, Suff.co.nz reported Saturday.

Justice of the Peace Graham suppressed both names and remanded them in custody until a Auckland High Court appearance Wednesday. Punjabi interpreters have been requested for the next appearance.

Davender Singh, 35, of the Papatoetoe suburb and his partner stopped outside the Manukau Events Centre in their car Thursday evening. His body was found in the car outside the events centre on Norman Spencer Drive just 25 minutes later. It is believed he died from stab wounds, police said.

The developments follow the release Friday night of CCTV footage as police sought public help to identify a mystery vehicle seen leaving the area around the time of the murder.

Detective Inspector Dave Lynch said while police were pleased to have made early arrests, the investigation was still in its infancy.

"Police are still appealing for witnesses and we ask that anyone who drove down Norman Spencer Drive between 7.20 p.m. and 7.45 p.m. on Thursday night that might have seen Mr Singh's car parked outside the Manukau Events Centre please come forward to police," he said.

Police were also yet to recover the murder weapon, believed to be a knife. But they were satisfied that robbery was not the motive.

"We are well aware that the investigation has attracted intense interest within the Indian community and we ask that people stay patient and allow police time to work through an investigation and fact-finding process."

Police were not seeking anyone else in relation to Singh's death.