A tragic shooting yesterday left 2 female property managers dead and a third male property manager in hospital in a stable condition. The shooting occurred in a rural property where the managers were understood to be conducting a standard tenancy inspection. The tenant is believed to have opened fire on the property managers at the home killing two and injuring a third.
Detective Inspector Dene Begbie of Northland Police said roads around the area were cordoned and the suburb was in lock-down as a major police operation was launched when the gunshots were reported at around 11am local time on Wednesday, July 26th.
Responding officers were also shot at and after attempts to negotiate with the tenant failed, tear gas was deployed. It was at this point that the tenant set fire to the property while he was still inside. Police say he did not survive the blaze.
Northland District Commander Superintendent Russell Le Prou said the tenant was known to police. It is believed the deceased property managers were related. The situation, which took place outside of Whangarei in New Zealand’s North Island has left the property management community reeling. Tragedies such as this highlight the dangers faced by property managers in the line of duty and the importance of running comprehensive tenant screening and background checks.