Fatal Shooting in Lidcombe: Two Arrested, Investigation Ongoing

On March 16, 2026, a shooting incident in a high-density unit block on Shale Street, Lidcombe, resulted in the death of 38-year-old Abdallah Bahsa and left another man, Harish Ramasawmy, injured. The shooting occurred around 4 a.m., and Bahsa succumbed to his injuries at Westmead Hospital shortly thereafter. Ramasawmy was hospitalized with non-life-threatening injuries.

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Following the incident, police arrested two men in connection with the shooting. Alpay Albayir, 21, was apprehended after allegedly crashing his vehicle into a parked car on Boronia Street, Ermington, later that day. He faces charges of murder and wounding a person with intent to cause grievous bodily harm. Joshua Yeboah, 22, was arrested during a raid on a home in Ermington and has also been charged with murder. Both men did not apply for bail during their court appearance at Burwood Local Court on March 17, 2026, and are scheduled to appear again on May 13, 2026.

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Authorities are actively pursuing additional suspects believed to be involved in the shooting, which police have described as a targeted attack with "strong links to organised crime." Superintendent Robert Toynton emphasized the urgency of the situation, stating, “The net is closing very quickly,” and urged any remaining suspects to surrender. Investigators are appealing to the public for information, particularly from residents who may have witnessed the incident or seen suspicious activity in the area.

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Residents of the Lidcombe unit complex reported hearing a loud bang during the early hours of the morning, with some initially mistaking the sound for a fire. One resident noted, “I see a lot of ‘druggie’ types coming and going … always someone suss in and out of the building,” indicating a perception of ongoing issues within the community. Police are hopeful that local residents can provide crucial information to aid in the investigation.

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This shooting follows a recent brawl in Chester Hill that resulted in two men being hospitalized after gunfire erupted. The connection between these incidents and the ongoing investigation into organized crime is yet to be fully established.

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Superintendent Toynton reiterated the importance of community cooperation, urging anyone with information to come forward. “Someone must have seen something. Someone must have heard something,” he stated, highlighting the need for public assistance in solving the case.

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• “The net is closing very quickly,” — Superintendent Robert Toynton

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• “Someone must have heard something.” — Superintendent Robert Toynton

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The investigation into the Lidcombe shooting continues as police work to apprehend any remaining suspects and gather evidence from the community.

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