The grief of a family has been amplified by the tragic loss of Amamuddin Sadar, who was fatally injured in a shocking random stabbing incident in Sydney’s west. Mr. Sadar, 38, was one of three individuals attacked in Merrylands around 10 am on a Tuesday morning. Despite attempting to find refuge in a stairwell, he succumbed to his injuries.
His siblings have spoken of the “deep pain” and profound shock they are experiencing. Meena Sadar, his sister, described their anguish, stating, “We cannot explain our pain.” Amamuddin, the eldest of five siblings, was a refugee who arrived in Australia by boat, seeking a safer existence after growing up in Afghanistan. His siblings, Masoud and Meena Sadar, remembered him as a diligent and caring individual, always ready to support his friends, family, and the wider community. The family’s heartache is compounded by the fact that their parents remain in Afghanistan, and have reportedly been hospitalised since receiving the devastating news of their son’s death.
The incident has prompted a review of security protocols at Cumberland Hospital by the NSW government. This review follows reports that two men, including the alleged perpetrator of the triple stabbing, Setefano Mooniai Leaaetoa, had previously escaped from a mental health facility just ten days prior to the attacks. Mr. Leaaetoa has since been charged with one count of murder and two counts of causing wounding or grievous bodily harm with intent to murder in connection with the Merrylands incident.
The situation took an even more harrowing turn with revelations about the escape of a second patient, Luke Francis, from the same facility within days of Mr. Leaaetoa’s departure. According to reports, Mr. Francis allegedly assaulted a nurse before absconding from Cumberland Hospital. His escape led to a carjacking and a subsequent police pursuit that concluded tragically in Camden when he collided with another vehicle, resulting in the deaths of two women.
Staffing Concerns at Cumberland Hospital
The Nurses Union has raised serious concerns regarding the staffing levels at Cumberland Hospital, particularly concerning security. Despite the facility being slated to become one of the largest mental health centres in the country, the union revealed that only three security guards are reportedly on duty at any given time to oversee the entire complex. This revelation has fueled anxieties about the adequacy of measures in place to manage patient safety and prevent similar incidents in the future.
The tragic events underscore the critical need for robust mental health services and stringent security protocols within these facilities. The loss of Amamuddin Sadar and the two women in Camden serves as a stark reminder of the complex challenges faced by mental health care systems and the devastating consequences when security measures are compromised.
For those in need of support, Lifeline can be contacted on 13 11 14, and Beyond Blue offers assistance via their helpline. In any emergency situation, immediate assistance can be obtained by dialling Triple Zero (000).
