Man with 50cm machete shot dead after wife’s alleged Westfield ‘melee….
On Saturday, July 12, 2025, at approximately 3:15 pm, a brawl involving six women in their mid‑20s erupted in the rooftop car‑park at Westfield Mount Druitt, western Sydney. They were reportedly not known to each other—it was a spontaneous encounter.
A 29‑year‑old man, identified as the local father of two young daughters, is alleged to be the husband of one of the women involved. He arrived at the scene shortly after, retrieved a large machete (approximately 50 cm long) from his car, and approached the dispersed group, apparently ignoring police orders to drop the weapon.
A police officer positioned themselves between the machete‑wielding man and the women and fired multiple shots, killing the man at the scene. Paramedics and officers rendered aid but he did not survive. A critical incident was declared thereafter.
Assistant Commissioner Gavin Wood reviewed security and body‑worn camera footage and stated he was “content” with the officers’ response, calling their actions “brave”. He confirmed the man had no gang affiliations and limited prior interactions with police.
The NSW Police Homicide Squad’s Critical Incident Team is conducting a formal investigation, supported by the Professional Standards Command / Law Enforcement Conduct Commission.
The incident happened in a busy public shopping centre on a weekend afternoon—witnesses described it as shocking and distressing, even for professionals familiar with violence.
A former NSW police detective superintendent has since called for improved communication protocols and greater police presence at large shopping centres, noting such violent incidents may be becoming more common.
A 29‑year‑old father allegedly fetched a 50 cm machete after a brawl involving his wife in the Westfield Mount Druitt car‑park on July 12, 2025. Police ordered him to drop it, but when he continued walking toward the group, an officer shot him, and he died on site. Authorities have launched a critical incident investigation, and senior police support the officers’ actions. The case underscores concerns about escalation of violence in public spaces and safety protocols in large malls.
Let me know if you’d like updates as the investigation unfolds, or more background on Westfield security policies or policing in Sydney.
