Police have confirmed that the Auckland taxi driver who died while on duty was stabbed.
A post mortem examination carried out this afternoon has revealed Co-Op driver Hiren Mohini was stabbed in the upper torso, shortly before he veered off the road and hit a tree about 1.30am.
Medical staff were called to View Rd in the Auckland suburb of Mt Eden early this morning, but Mr Mohini died at the scene.
Other taxis arrived at the scene within minutes after an internal emergency device inside the taxi was triggered on impact.
Residents in the street were woken by the noise of the crash and rushed to help the injured cab driver and remove him from the vehicle.
It is understood Mr Mohini was stabbed and robbed, View Rd has been cordoned off all day and police are currently hunting the driver’s killer.
Detective Senior Sergeant Hywell Jones, who is leading the inquiry, said a young man who was seen running away after the crash was being sought by police.
The man is described as a dark skinned male in his late 20s, wearing dark denim jeans, black leather shoes and a long sleeve button up shirt.
Co-op Taxis chairman Ian Graham told Radio New Zealand the man had picked up his last fare in the city.
He said the father of two daughters, aged five and two, had been well liked during his three years at the company.
"He was a very quiet, reserved gentleman. A true family man, loved his family, and all he was doing was going about trying to earn an honest living doing a public service."
Mr Graham said a number of employees were at Mr Mohini’s home today supporting his family.
Police are urging anyone with information to contact them on 09 302 6400 or call the Crimestoppers line anonymously on 0800 555 111.
NZPA