The man accused of firing the shot that killed Charles Pongi during a violent confrontation has been formally identified in court as George Mahoni.

Clockwise from bottom left: Co-defendants Vini Mahoni, Lika Feterika, George Mahoni, Vili Laungaue and Devonte Iakopo are jointly charged in the High Court at Auckland with the murder of Head Hunters member Charles Pongi, who was fatally shot during a large brawl at Pt England’s Taurima Reserve in August 2023. Photos / Michael Craig (NZ Herald)

The details emerged during a hearing at the Auckland High Court, where prosecutors outlined their case against multiple individuals connected to the incident, the New Zealand Herald reported.

Devonte Iakopo, George Anthony Mahoni, Vili Laungaue, Lika Feterika and Vini Mahoni have all pleaded not guilty to Pongi’s murder in Auckland’s Pt England on August 5, 2023.

While naming Mahoni as the alleged triggerman, prosecutors offered a note of caution, acknowledging that while their theory points to him firing the fatal shot, they cannot yet state this with absolute certainty.

The court was shown CCTV footage of the event, which prosecutors allege shows Mahoni at the centre of the confrontation.

The individual identified as Mahoni was described as wearing a distinctive outfit: a broad-brimmed hat, a colourful LA Lakers hoodie, a brown bandana covering his face, and a bullet-proof vest as he advanced and opened fire.

Pongi, 32, suffered a single gunshot wound to the collarbone.

The court heard that the bullet had tragically lodged in his spine. The moment he was struck was captured on the same CCTV footage presented to the judge.

In a desperate attempt to save his life, associates drove Pongi to Auckland Hospital. He was pronounced dead upon arrival.

Mahoni has pleaded not guilty to a charge of murder.

The trial is set to continue next week as the prosecution continues to present its evidence.