'Hit' clues lead Vic cops to WA
Victorian detectives are in WA as part of their inquiry into the 2011 unsolved murder of racing identity Les Samba, which they believe was orchestrated by an organised crime drug syndicate.
Mr Samba, a South Australian horse trainer who regularly visited WA, was gunned down on a Melbourne city street on a Sunday evening four years ago.
Details of the renowned trainer's "dark side" emerged yesterday as Purana Taskforce Det-Insp. Andrew Gustke revealed Mr Samba owed about $200,000 to an organised crime syndicate when he was killed. Police suspect it was a drug-related debt and said though it was unclear whether the 60-year-old was shot over the debt, the killing was a "professional and serious hit".
"Les Samba was a well-renowned horse trainer, he was a good family man, however, he did have another side and that side involved, what we believe, some association with organised crime which has ultimately led to his death," Det-Insp. Gustke said.
A mystery man who called the Victorian homicide squad last year provided crucial details about the involvement of an interstate crime gang in Mr Samba's murder and named someone allegedly involved.
Det-Insp. Gustke said some of that information had been corroborated by people in WA and as part of the inquiry two detectives headed to Perth yesterday to speak to about 18 people.
He also urged the caller to ring Victorian police again, believing the man was close to the killers and had "the answers" that could solve Mr Samba's murder.
After arriving in Perth, Det-Sen. Const. Joel Dettman and colleague Det-Sen. Const. Brooke Ford said they could be in WA for several days speaking to witnesses, associates and friends of Mr Samba.
Det-Sen. Const. Dettman said some of those people had previously spoken to police but none were suspects in the murder.
Detectives from the task force are also investigating connections in NSW.
Det-Insp. Gustke said the anonymous calls to police last year had come from NSW but police did not know whether the caller was still in that State.
A reward of up to $1 million is on offer for information leading to the arrest and conviction of those responsible for Mr Samba's death.
Call Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000
