Coordinated Ambush in Western Sydney
Two men were wounded in a brutal shooting near Parramatta on Sunday, marking yet another violent episode in Sydney’s deepening gangland crisis. Dawood Zakaria, 32, and Sydney-based lawyer Syvlan Singh, 25, were inside a Toyota HiLux when they were targeted and shot as their vehicle turned onto Woodville Road in Granville at approximately 5 p.m.
Attackers Open Fire From Mercedes
Authorities allege the assailants, believed to be travelling in a Mercedes, opened fire on the HiLux, discharging several rounds. Both Mr Zakaria and Mr Singh were seated in the front—driver and passenger respectively—when they were hit. Eyewitness reports and police statements confirm it was a coordinated ambush, the latest in a string of targeted gang-related shootings plaguing Western Sydney.
Victims Suffer Critical Injuries
The two men sustained severe injuries and were immediately transported to the hospital. According to The Daily Telegraph, Mr Zakaria suffered a critical gunshot wound to the head, while Mr Singh was struck in both his arm and leg. Police later confirmed that Mr Zakaria was not expected to survive the injuries inflicted during the ambush.
Zakaria’s Alleged Ties to Alameddine Network
Mr Zakaria is known to have connections to the notorious Alameddine crime network. He had previously been associated with a group targeted in a broad daylight shooting at Brighton-Le-Sands earlier this year. Despite gunfire, that incident saw no casualties, further emphasizing the escalating nature of these gangland conflicts.
Questions Surround Singh’s Involvement
Sydney solicitor Syvlan Singh, though not believed to have underworld ties, was also a victim in Sunday’s attack. Images supplied by authorities show Mr Singh visibly wounded, highlighting the violent intent behind the assault. His involvement has raised questions as to whether he was simply in the wrong place at the wrong time or if deeper associations exist.
Chaos Unfolded in Seconds
Detective Superintendent Jason Box of the State Crime Command shared chilling details about the incident. “After the shooting, the HiLux mounted the curb in an apparent attempt to flee before coming to a stop,” he stated. The aftermath of the scene portrayed a desperate scramble for survival, signaling the chaos unleashed in a matter of seconds.
Arrests Deepen Complexity of Case
There were two additional male passengers in the HiLux during the attack—Samimjan Azari, 26, and Levi Vitukawalu, 28—who were unharmed. However, police arrested both men at the scene after discovering firearms inside the vehicle. This development further complicates the investigation and hints at possible retaliatory actions or connections to the criminal underworld.
Western Sydney Gripped by Fear
The shooting has sparked renewed fears about Sydney’s worsening gang violence. Communities across Western Sydney are becoming increasingly wary as shootings and public attacks grow in frequency and severity. Police continue to investigate the Granville attack while appealing for witnesses and surveillance footage that could help identify the shooters.
A City Under Siege
With escalating incidents, Sydney’s authorities face mounting pressure to clamp down on gang violence. The city, once viewed as a cultural and financial hub, now finds itself struggling under the weight of territorial criminal warfare and public safety concerns. This attack in Granville is yet another grim reminder of how far-reaching and destructive these underworld conflicts have become.
