Key Takeaways
- A quick‑thinking couple, Bennett and Lama, stopped to aid a stabbing victim, helping him into their truck and driving him to a nearby bar for assistance.
- The victim sustained serious stab wounds to his left side, under the ribs, and a sliced hand, but survived after receiving medical care.
- Local councillors praised the pair’s bravery, presenting them with food, treats, and vouchers as a token of gratitude.
- The alleged attacker, a 24‑year‑old man, was apprehended shortly after the incident and charged with wounding with intent to cause grievous bodily harm.
- Both helpers downplay any hero status, emphasizing that they acted because the victim needed help and hoping more people would intervene safely in similar situations.
Incident Overview
On a Wednesday evening, a man of Middle Eastern appearance in his early‑40s was attacked and stabbed while walking near the Crates and Cues Bar in Manurewa. The assault left him with multiple wounds, prompting him to call out for help. The sudden violence startled passersby, but it also prompted an immediate response from a nearby couple who chose to act rather than look away.
Immediate Response by Bennett and Lama
Bennett, a mother of seven and grandmother of twelve, and her companion Lama, aged 59, were driving past when they heard the victim’s cries. Bennett rolled down her window, asked if the man was alright, and then opened the back passenger door of their truck. She encouraged the injured man to climb inside, which he managed to do despite his pain. Their quick decision to provide shelter and transport proved critical in the moments following the attack.
Transport to Bar and Victim’s Condition
While Lama drove the truck toward the still‑open Crates and Cues Bar, the victim repeatedly muttered, “It isn’t good, it isn’t good,” indicating his distress and deteriorating condition. Bennett kept him calm, urging him to breathe and assuring him that help was on the way. The ride was short but tense, as the couple monitored the man’s worsening symptoms while seeking further assistance.
Realization of Severity of Injuries
Once they reached the bar and helped the victim out of the truck, the true extent of his injuries became apparent. He had been stabbed in the left side and just beneath the ribs, and his hand above the wrist was deeply sliced. Bennett described the scene as “just really terrible,” noting the significant blood loss and the victim’s obvious shock. This realization underscored the urgency of getting him professional medical care.
Assistance from Bar Staff and Emotional Support
The duty manager at Crates and Cues rushed out with a clean cloth for Bennett to press against the victim’s wound, providing a makeshift dressing while they waited for emergency services. Bennett continued to reassure the man, telling him to stay calm and that the police would arrive soon. Her soothing presence helped keep the victim from panicking despite his severe pain and fear.
Victim’s Background and Lack of Knowledge of Attacker
The injured man, described as being of Middle Eastern ethnicity and about forty years old, told Bennett and Lama that he did not know his attacker. He speculated that he had missed the last bus after finishing work and was unaware of any threat. This lack of prior connection highlighted the random nature of the violence and underscored the importance of bystander intervention in unpredictable assaults.
Community and Political Recognition
Manurewa‑Papakura ward councillor Daniel Newman expressed pride in the couple’s actions, stating he was “bloody proud of anybody who’s got the steel and the balls to go and assist somebody who’s in trouble.” He wanted to meet and thank Bennett and Lama personally, viewing their intervention as a potential “circuit‑breaker” that could prevent further harm. Newman’s remarks were echoed by fellow councillor Matt Winiata and other community members who recognized the couple’s bravery.
Gestures of Appreciation from Councillors and Colleagues
Following Newman’s praise, he, along with Winiata and other local officials, visited Bennett and Lama with a gift of food, treats, and vouchers. Bennett described the gesture as “really lovely” and said she felt both surprised and grateful. Additionally, a colleague of Lama’s from the youth‑justice residence Whakatakapokai cleaned the bloodied back seat of their truck, further illustrating the community’s supportive response to the incident.
Humility of the Helpers and Hope for Bystander Intervention
Despite the accolades, Bennett insisted she and Lama did not see themselves as heroes. “We just hopefully saved somebody’s life … we just thought, this guy needs help,” she said, acknowledging the risk involved but emphasizing their instinct to aid a stranger. She expressed a wish that more people would intervene safely when they witness violence, hoping that her actions might inspire others to act rather than look away.
Medical Outcome and Police Action
The victim was transported by Hato Hone St John Ambulance to Middlemore Hospital in serious condition. As of Bennett’s latest comments, the couple had not received an update on his recovery, but they remained hopeful that he was safe and alive. Police apprehended a 24‑year‑old man near the scene shortly after the attack; he was charged with wounding with intent to cause grievous bodily harm and also accused of attempting to steal the victim’s backpack, bringing a measure of legal accountability to the violent act.