Two uses of force ruled unjustified, inquiry into tasered man's death finds
An investigation into the death of a man filmed being tasered at Ōrere Point has found police use of force did not contribute to his death.
Faasala Samu Matue died on March 2, 2025, shortly after being subjected to multiple uses of police force, including the use of a taser, pepper spray, manual force and a police dog, while resisting arrest.
Video of the incident shared with the Herald at the time showed Matue swinging a metal pole before he is tasered and beaten by police.
The Independent Police Conduct Authority (IPCA) today released its findings into the incident, concluding police force had not contributed to his death.
The post-mortem examination found Matue had died of methamphetamine intoxication. He also had MDMA, cannabis and alcohol in his system.
However, the IPCA did find that two instances of force had been unreasonable and not justified – one officer punching him in the head three times and the use of the “fishhook” technique.
The “fishhook” technique involves putting fingers into someone’s mouth to force pain compliance.
They also found officers spoke to Matue inappropriately and unprofessionally during the arrest.
“You fat c*** [indecipherable] back in the water and just drown, you f***ing idiot”, one policeman can be heard saying in the footage.
Faasala Matue died after threatening police with a metal pole and biting an officer’s hand at Ōrere Point, Auckland, before being tasered, pepper-sprayed and losing consciousness.
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Police have acknowledged the IPCA’s findings, with Counties Manukau District Commander Superintendent Shanan Gray describing the officers’ language and unjustified use of force as “unacceptable and a departure from our values”.
Police had tracked a vehicle linked to two aggravated robberies from Papakura to the isolated beach, where Matue and another man were found.
Gray said officers had been faced with a difficult situation as Matue behaved aggressively while resisting his arrest, threatening them with a metal pole and biting one officer’s finger.
“I would like to acknowledge our staff who were dealing with an extremely volatile and confronting incident at the time.
“Force was used to try and bring Mr Matue under control, during which he bit the finger of an attending officer.”
She said Matue’s condition had deteriorated after the arrest. Officers administered first aid at the scene but were unable to save him.
“This was a tragic outcome for everyone concerned and our thoughts are with Mr Matue’s family.”
Gray said she would not comment on the specifics of the employment process and confirmed the officers involved were all still employed by police.
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