A migrant was left in shock after witnessing the aftermath of a deadly stabbing outside a fast-food restaurant - an experience she never expected to have after moving to Australia.
Police are still searching for the person who killed 32-year-old Sitaleki Filihiahekava, who was attacked near Guzman y Gomez on Marrickville Rd at Marrickville, in Sydneys inner west, about 7.30pm on Monday after having dinner with his family.
Police suspect it to be a targeted attack with possible links to organised crime.
Its understood he and his attacker met outside the restaurant before he was stabbed, with the assailant still on the run.
While shopping at a nearby Woolworths, a migrant named Karen witnessed paramedics and police attempting to revive Filihiahekava.
Unfortunately, after five minutes, he was pronounced dead at the scene.
We just went to the Woolworths to buy some ice creams and when we were crossing the road we saw one guy on the ground, I heard that he was stabbed, Karen said, visibly upset.
It makes me so sad because I am from overseas and I know that this country is so safe.
One witness, named Karen (pictured), said she shocked by the violence as Australia is known as being a safe country
Sitaleki Filihiahekava, 32, was fatally stabbed to death outside the Guzman y Gomez store in Marrickville
To be honest I did not expect these kinds of things to happen in this country. It makes me feel sad, and sad for the guy.
Police and distressed family members rushed to help him and administered first aid, but despite their efforts, Filihiahekava could not be saved.
Witnesses heard the heartbreaking cries of the mans mother, while his brother arrived at the scene and tried to lift the sheet covering the body.
Police held back the distraught man who was heard screaming: Hes my f***ing brother, dont touch me.
The brother was restrained by police and a taser was drawn but not deployed.
On Tuesday morning, bouquets of flowers, handwritten notes and a lit candle were left outside the front of the Mexican restaurant, as Mr Filihiahekavas loved ones struggle to come to terms with his loss.
Many were seen in tears and consoling each other as they stood on the same spot where their mate lost his life.
Mascot Juniors footy club president Frank Cookson said Filihiahekava will be missed.
Heartbroken loved ones of a young man stabbed outside a popular Mexican restaurant have returned to the scene of the shocking crime to leave flowers and pay their respects
Sitaleki Filihiahekava (pictured centre) was a popular player with Mascot Juniors
It is with sincere regret we advise the passing of one of our clubs players Sitaleki Filihiahekava last evening in terrible circumstances, Cookson wrote.
Leki was a well liked and respected integral member of our A Reserve grade premiership team two weeks ago where he performed admirably.
To the extensive Filihiahekava family and Lekis multitude of friends we express our deepest sympathy.
RIP Leki your happy, friendly personality will be greatly missed.
NSW Police Superintendent Ben Kennis said police believe the two people met, and the attack was somewhat targeted.
Its too early to say if they had arranged it ... it was clear that they did know each other. It was not random in nature, he said.
The dead mans brother was restrained by police as he tried to lift the sheet off the body
A manhunt is underway for those responsible for the fatal stabbing
Superintendent Kennis did not comment on Filihiahekavas injuries but said they were inflicted with a sharp instrument.
I dont know whether it was a knife... I know it was a sharp instrument given the injuries, he said.
I cannot say with any certainty what weapon used was. A large and continuing crime scene is being examined today.
Superintendent Kennis appealed to the public for help in identifying the attacker who was last seen running down Silver Street in Marrickville.
I urge anyone with dash cam, CCTV, mobile phone footage to please come forward to the police or call Crime Stoppers ... or contact the detectives at Marrickville police station, Superintendent Kennis said.
Mourners pay their respects to Filihiahekava