Probe centres on hills blaze car

Press, 26 February 1986, Page 9

Probe centres on hills blaze car

Detectives investigating the killing of Denis Drinkwater at Sockbum on February 18 are now concentrating on the car set alight and dumped on the Port Hills on Monday evening. They are trying to determine who has been in the 1968 Vauxhall Victor car since it was reported stolen from Blenheim Road on February 17.

The identity of these persons could lead the police to those responsible for placing an explosive device in the cab of a truck to be driven by Mr Drinkwater. He died in a powerful explosion at the Mogal Bin Services depot in Waterloo Road, Sockbum.

Detective Inspector David Haslett, who heads the inquiry, said that the police had considered the red Vauxhall Victor a “significant factor” when they sought Information

on Monday about the car. Hours later, persons unknown set the car on fire, then pushed if off a lay-by on the Governor’s Bay side of the Summit Road, near the Sign of the Kiwi. Mr Haslett said yesterday that the police were still urgently seeking information from anyone who saw the car or any suspicious activity on the Port Hills between 6 p.m. and 7 p.m. on Monday. Information could be given in confidence. Several persons had already been in touch with the police about the vehicle, he said. Anyone who has seen the car since it was reported stolen is also asked to call the police. The car had the licence plate D 05455, red primer on the left rear guard, black upholstery, and a tow bar. The car was badly damaged in the fire, which was first seen by a Governor’s Bay resident.

The car was hauled up to the Shmmit Road by tow track yesterday, and taken away by the police for forensic tests. Mr Haslett said that tests on the damaged track had finished, but experts were continuing to examine the scene of the explosion. He again declined to speculate on the motive for the killing of Mr Drinkwater. The police have said, however, that

they believe Mr Drinkwater was the intended victim of the explosive device. Detectives would also like to hear from the driver of a car which was seen near the Mogal depot about 10.45 p.m. on Monday, February 17, the day before the explosion.

This car is described as a dark-coloured 1973 Holden Premier, or a vehicle of similar description, With silver wheel hubs.