Splashes murder was Underbelly-style job

By Jodie Minus
Updated November 5 2012 - 6:01pm, first published August 1 2008 - 12:31pm
Mr Sekuljica
Mr Sekuljica

A hired hitman with links to organised crime shot dead Dragan Sekuljica at a North Wollongong nightclub, police say. Homicide detectives working with Wollongong police said yesterday they had also identified "a number of persons of interest" in the death of builder Mr Sekuljica, who was murdered in an execution-style shooting at Splashes nightclub, part of the Novotel Northbeach, last September.The Mercury understands one of the persons of interest was convicted of another Illawarra shooting murder, but police would not confirm this. "The killing of this Serbian-born father of two is believed to be linked with organised crime and detectives believe Mr Sekuljica's death was the result of a contract killing," said a spokeswoman from Strikeforce Mendip, which was set up to investigate the murder. "During this investigation we have identified a number of persons of interest and are continuing to make inquiries into their association with Mr Sekuljica." The Mercury has also learned that Mr Sekuljica, 29, was arrested in October 2005 and charged with malicious wounding and malicious damage. He was convicted of the crimes in Wollongong Local Court in January 2006 and served four months in Silverwater jail. Police would not comment on whether his conviction was related to the murder.Neither would they comment on information obtained by the Mercury that Mr Sekuljica's death was related to five arson attacks on hydroponic labs in the Illawarra.Police said they welcomed Acting Police Minister Kristina Keneally's announcement on Thursday of a $200,000 reward for anyone with information leading to the arrest and conviction of the gunman."Rewards provide an incentive for some people to come forward to police with information they have previously withheld," the spokeswoman said."Since this reward was announced ... police have received some information from the community which is now being pursued."Police have maintained contact (with) Mr Sekuljica's family throughout this investigation. "It has been an understandably difficult time for them, dealing with the loss of a husband, father and son, and we are working hard to bring some closure for them."When Mr Sekuljica left Splashes nightclub about 3am on Saturday, September 8, a slight person dressed in black and wearing a balaclava lay in wait on the eastern side of Cliff Rd. Mr Sekuljica was about to get into a taxi when the gunman appeared. Mr Sekuljica fled back into Splashes nightclub as the gunman fired his first shot, hitting a 44-year-old security guard in the left elbow.Shocked staff were preparing to close and a handful of patrons remained as the gunman caught up to Mr Sekuljica inside the nightclub and fired a number of shots.The Mercury understands Mr Sekuljica was shot in the back and the head, execution style, although police have not confirmed this. The gunman ran off and Mr Sekuljica died at the scene. Anyone with information is urged to contact police. Information can be provided in the strictest confidence to the Strike Force Mendip detectives by contacting Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or Wollongong Police Station on 4226 7899.

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