The aunts of murdered Kahui twins, Chris and Cru, have been applauded for their courage.

Denise and Fiona King have told police who they believe is responsible for the twins’ death.

Executive Director of For the Sake of Our Children Trust, Christine Rankin, says it took an enormous amount of fortitude to break the family’s code of silence.

“These women have risen up against what I imagine would be extraordinary pressure to do the right thing,” says Ms Rankin. “They are very brave women.”

Denise and Fiona King are half-sisters to the twins’ mother Macsyne King. They told TVNZ’s Sunday programme that Macsyne and her brother, Robert King, had given the killer’s name when asked by family members. Denise and Fiona then decided to go to police three weeks ago.

Last night, the twins grandmother, Gwen Hetaraka, told TV3’s Campbell Live she believed someone else was responsible for the murders.

“While there is disagreement between members of the family as to who committed the crime, what is important here is that it is at last being discussed,” says Ms Rankin. “It shows there is some sort of commitment to bringing this person or persons to justice.”

Chris and Cru Kahui died in hospital on June 18, after being admitted with brain injuries and broken ribs. One twin also had a broken thigh bone.

The family went into shut down mode after the deaths, forming a group referred to as the ‘Tight 12’.

“This very name is an indication of their attitude towards co-operating with police,” says Ms Rankin. “It has been quite clear all along police would struggle to make a breakthrough unless someone was courageous enough to stand up to the family.

“I hope the aunts’ actions will inspire others who may have witnessed violence against children. It is too late now to save the Kahui twins but it is not too late to intervene on behalf of other children who are being abused.

“I would ask anyone who knows of children in danger to tell someone in authority immediately.”

Police say they are today are still evaluating the interview with the aunts. They will not comment on when an arrest is likely but say the investigation is progressing well.

“I have every confidence the police are doing what they can,” says Ms Rankin. “They have been faced with obstacles at every turn and the co-operation of the aunts is the first real assistance they have been given in this case.

“The police have shown extraordinary sensitivity and we can only hope they will be rewarded with an arrest in the very near future.”

ENDS

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