“For his parents, he wasn’t just a son; he was their only son, the pride of their lives. His death serves as a reminder of the risks our security personnel face every day when they go to work,” says the company Armourguard (employer of the deceased) in a social media post.
In a devastating turn of events, the life of 25-year-old Ramandeep Singh, a dedicated security guard working in West Auckland, New Zealand, was abruptly cut short in the Royal Reserve carpark in Massey. The incident occurred in the early hours of Monday, leaving Singh’s family and friends in profound shock and mourning.
Singh, described as a polite and non-confrontational individual by his father Dhana Singh, was a dedicated security guard employed by Armourguard. His world primarily revolved around his job and his close relationship with his mother in India. Singh, the only son of his parents, had moved to New Zealand in 2018 on a study visa to pursue higher education.
“Singh’s family have been advised of the latest arrest,” Detective Inspector Aaron Proctor said, adding that two people are now before the courts in connection with Singh’s murder.
“Our investigation team has been working hard, day and night, to bring justice for Mr Singh whose life was senselessly cut short while he was going about his job. We are continuing to piece together the events leading up to his murder in the early hours of Monday morning,” Proctor said.
Armourguard, the company which employed Singh, said its community “has been shattered” by the sudden loss of Singh, who leaves behind a broken family and friends in mourning.
“We send our sympathies and condolences to the family and friends of Ramandeep and are offering our full support to them during this difficult time,” the company wrote in a social media post.
“For his parents, he wasn’t just a son; he was their only son, the pride of their lives. His death serves as a reminder of the risks our security personnel face every day when they go to work,” the post said, adding that Singh had “dreams that extended beyond the borders of his homeland”.
Dhana Singh expressed disbelief and confusion upon hearing the news of his son’s tragic death, emphasising that Ramandeep had never been involved in a fight throughout his life. Ramandeep’s regular communication with his mother highlighted his belief in the safety of New Zealand and the efficiency of the local police force.
The grieving father earnestly pleaded for the swift repatriation of his son’s body to India before the holiday season. He stressed that justice for the family would mean stringent action against any perpetrator involved in Ramandeep’s murder.
Rohit Arora, a friend of Ramandeep, echoed the sentiment of shock, emphasising that Ramandeep never engaged in arguments and was a sincere and nice individual. Arora, currently in India with Singh’s family, urged for the expeditious return of Ramandeep’s body, expressing concern over the intense grief experienced by the family in the three days since the incident.
Ramandeep Singh, who arrived in New Zealand on a study visa in 2018, had aspirations for his parents to visit him once he acquired residency, eagerly awaiting the fulfilment of his dream to explore the country with them.
The tragedy prompted a thorough homicide investigation by the police, leading to the arrest of a 26-year-old man from West Auckland. The accused, charged with murder, appeared in the Waitakere District Court on Monday, receiving interim name suppression. The case is scheduled to move to the Auckland High Court on January 31, seeking further answers in the pursuit of justice for Ramandeep Singh and his grieving family.
The sudden loss of this young security guard has not only left a void in the hearts of his family and friends but also underscores the vulnerability faced by those in essential roles, prompting a broader reflection on the safety and security of individuals in the community.
