A security guard who was stabbed when a knife-wielding man unleashed an attack at Westfield Bondi Junction a year ago is still living with trauma from the event.
Muhammad Taha was working a shift with his colleague and friend Feraz Tahir when they were attacked by 40-year-old Joel Cauchi, who stabbed six people and injured 10 more on April 13, 2024.
The 30-year-old said both his physical and mental wounds still have not healed ahead of the first anniversary of the attack.
“Still having some physical pain and the mental trauma is very big,” he said.
Tahir died while Taha was stabbed three times trying to save him.
”When I wake up in the hospital bed after two days and I know that my colleague Feraz Tahir is no more that was the worst part,” he said.
Taha was granted permanent residency by Prime Minister Anthony Albanese for his heroic acts, which he calls “a great honour”.
“I try to help people of my country which I call home now, so it’s a great honour for me to be a part of this community,” he said.
But he is unable to return to Westfield Bondi Junction, instead, he mostly stays at home.
“I’m still not able to go near to that place,” Taha said.
Tahir’s brothers Sheraz and Muzafar said they still struggle too.
“I don’t think so it will go away, we can hide it but you know it’s in our hearts,” Muzafar said.
“His bravery…he was very brave from childhood…and he showed at the end that he’s brave,” Sheraz said.
Sheraz said he has started a job in security to follow in his late brother’s footsteps.
Some of the survivors will choose to return to Westfield Bondi Junction tomorrow to join NSW Premier Chris Minns and other officials to lay flowers in a special tribute on the first anniversary of the attack.
