A Westfield security guard injured in a terrifying rampage says he will never forget helplessly watching his colleague be stabbed to death by a crazed knifeman.
Five women and security guard Faraz Tahir were stabbed to death when Joel Cauchi attacked innocent bystanders in a frenzied attack at Westfield Bondi Junction in Sydney’s east last Saturday.
Security guard Muhammad Taha is still recovering in hospital after being stabbed in the stomach during the attack.
He recalled the moment he and his new colleague, Mr Tahir, came face to face with Cauchi as a new vision emerged from the two men moments before they were attacked.
Muhammad Taha (photo) broke his silence from his hospital bed, six days after being stabbed in the stomach in
The Westfield security guard was walking around Faraz Tahir on his first day on the job when they were caught in the rampage.
The two men had shared stories about their families in their homeland of Pakistan moments before the chaos.
Footage filmed by a shopper shows security guards walking through Westfield before being alerted by shouts as a male onlooker frantically pointed them in the direction of Cauchi, who had already begun his rampage.
A woman was heard calling for an ambulance while passersby were seen in the background helping the injured victims.
The security guards walked away from the camera as they walked towards an injured woman lying on the ground when they were spotted by Cauchi.
“He suddenly noticed us and jumped on Faraz and stabbed him in the chest,” he told Nine News from his hospital bed.
“When Faraz turned around there was blood all over his chest, I was very shocked.
“At the same time, he jumped on me.
“I tried to defend myself, I tried to use my hands and somehow he managed to stab me in the stomach.”
Mr. Taha initially did not realize that he had been injured and was only worried about his colleague who was on his first day of work.
“I was just looking after Faraz. I tried to help him,” he said.
Westfield security guard Faraz Tahir died after being stabbed in the chest.
Mr. Taha called his best friend, Muhammad Fahad, who also works as a security guard in the mall, who rushed to the aid of his colleagues.
“He did everything in his power (to help), he helped me and other people and Faraz, so I am very grateful to him,” Mr Taha said.
“There was a lot of blood. He put pressure on my side. Thanks to him, I survived.
“Without him, I wouldn’t be here.”
He only learned of Mr Tahir’s death two days after stabbing him.
I could have been the one (who died). There was (a) very mixed feeling, I (can’t) even express it, I was speechless at that moment
Mr Taha also thanked Prime Minister Anthony Albanese and New South Wales Premier Chris Minns for approving his permanent residency in Australia.
The Prime Minister said people like Mr Taha were welcome in Australia.
“This is yet another newly arrived person who worked here and risked his life to protect Australians he didn’t know,” Mr Albanese said on Thursday evening.
“Amidst all the carnage and heartbreak, there are stories of bravery… he is certainly the kind of character we want to see continuing to contribute here in Australia.”
Sydneysiders paid tribute as Westfield Bondi Junction reopened for trade on Friday
Mr. Taha now wants the same recognition of citizenship for his best friend who saved his life.
“I want this (same recognition) for Fahad, he deserves it,” Mr Taha said.
Westfield Bondi Junction reopened on Friday, six days after the rampage.
Around thirty stores remained closed.
Thousands of people will flock to Bondi Beach this Sunday for a candlelight vigil in honor of the six victims.
The vigil begins at 5:30 p.m.
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