22 Mar 2018

Woman had no choice in helping murder accused, court told

1:57 pm on 22 March 2018

The woman accused of helping a man evade police, hunting him over the killing of his girlfriend, says she felt she had no choice but to organise a taxi for him.

Turiarangi Tai, on trial in the High Court in Auckland for the murder of Chozyn Koroheke.

Turiarangi Tai, on trial in the High Court in Auckland for the murder of Chozyn Koroheke. Photo: RNZ / Laura Tupou

Moheofo Manulevu is on trial at the High Court in Auckland for helping Turiarangi Tai who is also on trial for the murder of his girlfriend Chozyn Koroheke.

Chozyn Koroheke - police hunting for Turiarangi Tai

Chozyn Koroheke Photo: Supplied / NZ Police

Ms Manulevu said she and Mr Tai were friends but that ended when she heard he was wanted by the police in April last year.

She said Mr Tai looked like "a mess" when he came to her house unannounced early one morning nearly two weeks after he had been on the run.

Mr Tai repeatedly asked her to organise a ride for him to go home, she told the court.

He was at she was scared and knew he wasn't "somebody you mess with".

She organised a taxi instead of a friend so she "didn't get anyone else in trouble".

Ms Manulevu will be re-examined by her lawyers later today.

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