Breanna Muriwai: A fire at the Manuwatū property was deliberately lit | WATCH

Breanna Muriwai was last seen in August 2022 at Te Horo Beach on the Kāpiti Coast, and recent developments have brought more attention to her case. Police have confirmed that a fire at a property linked to Muriwai’s disappearance was intentionally set.

The fire occurred on the same day Muriwai’s mother organized a community-supported convoy search for her daughter. Sinister warning messages were later discovered outside the burned-down property, which is connected to Muriwai’s case. These messages, scrawled on signs in the area, included disturbing phrases like “Murder victim disposal facility” and “Police protected trap house.”

The property at Rangwahia where a search related to Breanna Muriwai, and a suspicious fire took place. Photo: Supplied / NZME / Mark Mitchell

@ari_mariee92

This is just heartbreaking for our family please share around and help us bring her home….we will be doing a march on the 1st of june in wellington at 10am from the square to parliament for all the missing people in new zealand #justiceforbreanna #missingpeople #missingnz🇳🇿

♬ Get You The Moon – Kina

Police confirmed that the fire at the property in Manawatū, where they found what appeared to be a “crude incendiary device,” was deliberately started. The property on Rangiwahia Road, now a chaotic scene of burnt remains, rusted cars, and debris, was the subject of a private search and a police arson investigation just days earlier. It stands as a grim reminder of Muriwai’s unsolved case.

Breanna Muriwai was last seen at Te Horo Beach near the car parking area on Sea Rd about 4am on 28 August, 2022. Photo: Supplied / NZ Police

The fire destroyed what is believed to be a shed and a house on the property. While the property appears abandoned and neglected, the discovery of incendiary materials has only deepened the mystery surrounding Muriwai’s disappearance. The small Rangiwahia community, where the property is located, has seen increased activity as search groups continue to comb the area for any clues relating to the young woman’s fate.

Breanna Muriwai was last seen at Te Horo Beach near a parking area on Sea Road around 4 a.m. on August 28, 2022. Her family and the local community remain determined to find answers, with the recent fire casting a new shadow over the investigation.

The property at Rangiwahia where buildings were destroyed in an arson attack. Photo: Supplied / NZME / Mark Mitchell

Timeline of Breanna Muriwai’s disappearance:

• August 26, 2022: Muriwai is dropped off at Paraparaumu Railway Station by family members.
• August 27, 2022: She is seen on camera buying alcohol with a male acquaintance in Palmerston North.
• August 28, 2022: Muriwai is last seen around 4 a.m. at Te Horo Beach on the Kāpiti Coast.
• September 1, 2022: Police issue a public appeal for information, expressing concerns for her safety.
• October 7, 2022: Muriwai’s phone is found on the beach by a local resident.
• October 14, 2022: Police seek information about a pink and purple bag spotted on Te Horo Beach.
• September 15, 2024: Muriwai’s mother organizes a convoy search to find her daughter’s remains.
• September 19, 2024: Police confirm that a property connected to Muriwai’s case was deliberately set on fire on September 15.

Anyone with information is encouraged to contact the police through their 105 phone service, referencing file number 220829/5320.