A 34-year-old man has been arrested and charged following a major bomb scare in Sydney's Bondi Junction, an incident that caused significant alarm just weeks after the tragic Bondi attacks.
Chaotic Scene on Oxford Street
The incident unfolded on Sunday night, when police were called to Oxford Street in Bondi Junction around 10pm. Cleophias Machaya was reportedly spotted wearing a camouflage vest covered in duct-taped objects, immediately sparking fears of an explosive device.
Witnesses described the scene as deeply concerning, particularly given the recent violence in the area. "It was concerning, especially given the events over the last couple of weeks," one Sydney man told 7NEWS. A Bondi woman was less sympathetic, calling the act "very childish and attention-seeking."
Police Response and Investigation
Officers, taking no chances so close to the one-month anniversary of the Bondi stabbing attacks, swiftly intervened. The specialised bomb squad was called to examine the vest. A second vest was also located inside Machaya's van. Both items were thoroughly assessed and deemed to be safe.
During the investigation at Surry Hills Police Station, officers also allegedly located a face mask and a tin believed to contain a prohibited drug.
Court Appearance and Unusual Defence
Machaya faced court on Monday, where his legal defence presented a surprising explanation for the vest. They argued it was a resistance-training device, used by Machaya as part of his preparation for a potential attempt to qualify for the Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC).
Despite this claim, he was charged with several offences:
- Giving false information that a person or property was in danger
- Possessing a prohibited drug
- Behaving in an offensive manner in or near a public place or school
Cleophias Machaya was granted strict bail conditions and is scheduled to return to court next month.
