Key Takeaways
- Twins Elijah and Malachai Betham pleaded guilty to a violent robbery that occurred in the Woolworths carpark in September 2025.
- The offence began with a feigned buyer who lured the seller to a meetup, after which the twins attacked with a machete and a shotgun.
- The victim suffered a significant head laceration and ear damage from machete strikes; a shotgun blast fired from about two metres away narrowly missed the occupants of a nearby car.
- Both brothers fled the scene, were pursued by police, and arrested—Malachi at his Massey home and Elijah the following day.
- Recorded jail phone calls reveal the brothers admitting responsibility and expressing frustration about their own actions.
- After a brief arraignment, Justice David Johnstone remanded both twins into custody, with joint sentencing set for June 2026.
- The case underscores the serious consequences of pre‑planned violent crime and the pivotal role of CCTV, witness testimony, and forensic evidence in securing convictions.
Background of the Robbery Incident
In September 2025, twins Elijah and Malachai Betham became involved in a pre‑arranged meeting at the Woolworths supermarket carpark in West Auckland. According to police summaries, another individual pretended to be interested in purchasing a valuable ring from a 20‑year‑old seller, but the true intention was to set up the seller for a robbery. The Betham brothers, accompanied by associates, arrived at the location under the guise of a casual meetup. Once the seller arrived, the situation quickly turned violent, prompting the twins to launch a coordinated assault. The incident was captured on CCTV from a nearby petrol station, showing Elijah Betham in a white hoodie conversing with others shortly before the attack. This initial deception set the stage for the ensuing violence, highlighting how the perpetrators used a ruse to isolate their target before striking.
Details of the Machete Attack
Upon the seller’s arrival, Elijah Betham exited the vehicle alongside an unidentified man wielding a machete. Without warning, they rushed the 20‑year‑old, knocking him to the ground. The summary of facts presented in court describes the victim being “taken to the ground and assaulted by Elijah Betham and his associate,” noting that he received “multiple strikes with hands, feet from the machete.” At least one blow struck the left side of his head with the machete blade, causing a deep laceration that extended to his ear. The victim was subsequently transported by ambulance to hospital, where medical staff documented a “significant laceration” to the side of his head and “significant damage” to his ear. The brutality of the machete assault underscored the lethal intent behind the robbery and left the victim with serious, potentially lasting injuries.
Shotgun Incident Involving Malachi Betham
While Elijah and his associate were subduing the seller with the machete, Malachi Betham remained nearby, armed with a shotgun. Two 18‑year‑olds who had accompanied the seller to the carpark were waiting in a vehicle when they observed Malachi approaching. As the car moved alongside him, Malachi raised the shotgun and discharged a single shot toward the driver’s side window area. Court documents state that the shot was fired within approximately two metres of the vehicle. The shotgun pellets struck the front right pillar of the car, narrowly missing the driver; fortunately, no occupants were injured. Photographic evidence released by NZ Police shows the damage to the car’s pillar, illustrating how close the blast came to causing fatal harm. This shotgun discharge added a lethal dimension to the crime, demonstrating the twins’ willingness to escalate violence beyond close‑quarters assault.
Escape and Arrest of the Twins
After the machete attack and the shotgun blast, the twins shouted, “Where’s your f***ing money?” while the victim remained on the ground. They then fled the scene at high speed, overtaking a city bus in their haste. Police, alerted by witnesses and CCTV footage, launched an immediate pursuit. Later that same day, officers located Malachi Betham at the driveway of his Massey residence in West Auckland and took him into custody. Elijah Betham was apprehended the following day after a brief manhunt. The rapid arrest of both brothers underscored the effectiveness of the police response and the weight of evidential material, including video recordings and witness statements, that pointed directly to their involvement.
Statements and Admissions from Jail
While incarcerated, Elijah Betham participated in a recorded phone conversation with an unidentified individual. In the call, he attempted to reassure the listener while candidly acknowledging the brothers’ culpability. He remarked, “Don’t beat yourself up, yo… That’s Malachi’s own doing, the stoned c. This is all our own doing, yo. F, wouldn’t even be in this position if we didn’t do what we did.” The conversation revealed a mix of deflection and reluctant admission, with Elijah attributing part of the blame to his brother’s behavior while still accepting that their collective decisions led to the criminal outcome. Such statements, captured by law enforcement, provided further insight into the twins’ mindset and were later referenced during court proceedings to illustrate their awareness of the gravity of their actions.
Legal Proceedings and Sentencing Outlook
The twins appeared before the High Court in Auckland for a brief arraignment hearing presided over by Justice David Johnstone. Following the presentation of facts and the brothers’ guilty pleas, the judge ordered that both Elijah and Malachai Betham be remanded into custody. The court emphasized the seriousness of the offenses, particularly the use of a machete and a shotgun in a public setting, and noted the need for a custodial outcome pending sentencing. Justice Johnstone scheduled a joint sentencing hearing for June 2026, allowing time for pre‑sentence reports, victim impact statements, and any mitigating factors to be fully considered. The upcoming hearing will determine the length of imprisonment and any ancillary orders, reflecting the judiciary’s attempt to balance accountability with prospects for rehabilitation.
Broader Context and Reporting
The case has been covered extensively by Auckland‑based journalist Craig Kapitan, who specializes in courts and justice for the New Zealand Herald. Kapitan, a seasoned reporter with experience in both US and New Zealand newsrooms, has provided detailed chronicles of the investigation, court appearances, and the broader implications for community safety. His reporting highlights how CCTV footage, witness testimony, and forensic evidence converged to build a robust prosecution case. Readers interested in ongoing updates can subscribe to “The Daily H,” a free weekday newsletter curated by the Herald’s editorial team, which delivers concise summaries of significant stories, including developments in high‑profile criminal matters like this one. The Betham twins’ case serves as a stark reminder of the consequences of violent crime and the vital role of diligent investigative journalism in informing the public.