Third arrest Operation Mainland 13

Waikato Police investigating last month's murder of a Matamata man in Waharoa have arrested a third person.

Waikato Crime Services Manager, Detective Inspector Peter Devoy, said the unemployed Waikato man has been charged with murder and appeared in the Hamilton District Court today.

"This third offender has been jointly charged with the murder of Desmond Arahanga alongside the other two men who are back in court this week.

"The enquiry team's work is continuing and we have a warning to those who may be harbouring anyone else linked to this crime that they are facing very serious consequences including prosecution."