A migrant was left in shock after witnessing the aftermath of a fatal stabbing outside a fast food restaurant – an experience she never expected to have after moving to Australia.
Police are still hunting for the person who killed Sitaleki Filihiahekava, 32, who was attacked on Marrickville Rd in Marrickville, in Sydney’s inner west, at about 7.30pm on Monday after having dinner with his family.
Police suspect it was a targeted attack with possible links to organised crime.
He and his attacker are understood to have met outside the restaurant before he was stabbed, and the attacker is still at large.
While shopping at a nearby Woolworths, a migrant named Karen witnessed paramedics and police trying to revive Filihiahekava.
Unfortunately, after five minutes, he was pronounced dead at the scene.
“We went to Woolworths to get some ice cream and as we were crossing the road we saw a guy on the ground. I heard he had been stabbed,” said Karen, visibly upset.
‘It makes me very sad because I am from abroad and I know that this country is very safe.
One witness, named Karen (pictured), said she was shocked by the violence as Australia is known for being a “safe country”.
Sitaleki Filihiahekava, 32, was fatally stabbed outside the Guzman and Gomez store in Marrickville
“To be honest, I didn’t expect this kind of thing to happen in this country. I feel sorry for him, and I feel sorry for him.”
Police and distraught relatives rushed to his aid and administered first aid, but despite their efforts, Filihiahekava could not be saved.
Witnesses heard the “heartbreaking” screams of the man’s mother, while his brother arrived at the scene and tried to lift the sheet covering the body.
Police restrained the distraught man who was heard shouting: “That’s my fucking brother, don’t touch me.”
Police restrained the brother and pulled out a Taser on him, but did not use it.
Bouquets of flowers, handwritten notes and a lit candle were left outside the Mexican restaurant Tuesday morning as Filihiahekava’s loved ones struggle to come to terms with their loss.
Many were seen crying and comforting each other as they stood at the same spot where their companion lost his life.
Mascot Juniors football club chairman Frank Cookson said Filihiahekava would be missed.
The heartbroken loved ones of a young man stabbed outside a popular Mexican restaurant returned to the scene of the shocking crime to leave flowers and pay their respects.
Sitaleki Filihiahekava (pictured centre) was a popular player at Mascot Juniors.
“It is with deep regret that we inform you of the passing of one of our club’s players, Sitaleki Filihiahekava, last night in terrible circumstances,” Cookson wrote.
‘Leki was a much-loved and respected integral member of our reserve A Grade Premier Division team two weeks ago, where he performed admirably.
‘To the extended Filihiahekava family and to the multitude of friends of Leki we express our deepest condolences.
‘RIP Leki, your cheerful and friendly personality will be greatly missed.’
New South Wales Police Superintendent Ben Kennis said police believe “two people knew each other and the attack was somewhat targeted.”
“It’s too early to say if they had planned it… it was clear that they knew each other. It was not a coincidence,” he said.
The dead man’s brother was restrained by police as he tried to lift the sheet from the body.
A search is underway for those responsible for the fatal stabbing.
Superintendent Kennis would not comment on Filihiahekava’s injuries but said they were inflicted with a “sharp instrument”.
“I don’t know if it was a knife… I know it was a sharp instrument given the wounds,” he said.
“I cannot say for certain what weapon was used. A large and continuous crime scene is being examined today.”
Superintendent Kennis is appealing for help from the public in identifying the attacker who was last seen running along Silver Street in Marrickville.
“I urge anyone with dashcam, CCTV or mobile phone footage to come forward to police or call Crime Stoppers… or contact detectives at Marrickville Police Station,” Superintendent Kennis said.
Mourners pay their respects to Filihiahekava
