“A 23-year-old man was brought back to the Mt Roskill Police Station for interview, and he has since been charged with murder,” Bolton said.
The man is expected to appear in the Auckland District Court this afternoon.
“While we are not seeking anyone else in relation to Mr Sami’s death, this is still an ongoing investigation, and we are still speaking with a large number of witnesses to the violent altercation that occurred that Saturday afternoon,” Bolton said.
He said police acknowledged those who have provided information to them so far.
“The Operation Falconer team has been working hard on progressing the homicide investigation over the past month, and it’s a great outcome to have got to the point in laying a murder charge.”
Sami was a member of the Rebels gang, but police earlier said there is no evidence his death was gang-motivated.
Star Sami was a star athlete at Kelston Boys College in West Auckland.
Online tributes recalled his “infectious smile” and ability to “light up a room”, with friends describing him as a brother.
“Forever a Kelstonian,” one message read, referring to the school where Sami developed as a talented rugby player.
He was a standout member of the Kelston Boys’ High School First XV, who claimed back-to-back Auckland 1A titles in 2021 and 2022.
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