The moment that shook a vibrant Sydney suburb to its core
Sydney Morning Herald
by Mostafa RachwaniFebruary 24, 2026
AI-Generated Deep Dive Summary
A stabbing spree in Sydney’s Merrylands suburb on February 24, 2026, left one man dead and two others injured. The attack occurred near Binas’s Mini Mart, a popular Indian grocer, where a shrine was later erected in memory of Amamuddin Sadar, the victim who was stabbed to death. The suspect, Setefano Mooniai Leaaetoa, a 25-year-old with a history of absconding from mental health treatment, was quickly apprehended and charged with murder and attempted murder. This random act of violence has deeply impacted the tight-knit community, transforming the bustling retail hub into a quiet, somber place.
Merrylands is known for its vibrant multiculturalism, home to Afghan, Lebanese, Nepalese, and Indian communities. However, the attack has left residents and business owners in a state of fear and uncertainty. Local shopkeepers report significant drops in foot traffic, with many expressing concern over their safety and the future of their businesses. Zaki Sultani, an 18-year-old who arrived in Australia from Afghanistan four years ago, noted that his family’s boutique, Kabul Boutique, has seen a dramatic decline in customers since the incident. Similarly, Abdul Azimi, owner of Khorasan Shop, shared concerns about feeling unsafe and even considered purchasing a weapon for protection.
The aftermath of the attack has also disrupted daily life for local families. Ahmed Jamali, a worker at Karimian Carpets, described changes in his smoking habits due to heightened vigilance. Ex-wives of victims have expressed fear for their children’s safety when visiting their former partners’ workplaces. These personal stories highlight the far-reaching impact on the community, transcending immediate physical harm and affecting mental health and economic stability.
This incident underscores broader concerns about public safety, particularly in multicultural areas where tight-knit communities are vulnerable to such shocks. It raises questions about the adequacy of mental health support systems and the need for better measures to prevent similar tragedies. For readers interested in global news, this story highlights how random violence can disrupt thriving immigrant neighborhoods and challenge their sense of security and belonging.
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Originally published on Sydney Morning Herald on 2/24/2026