Detectives have charged a man with firearm possession after he was forensically linked to a handgun which was located in a garage used to store a getaway car used in the murder of Mahmoud ‘Mick’ Hawi.
Just after midday on Thursday 15 February 2018, emergency services responded after 37-year-old Mahmoud Hawi was shot by a man as he got into his car outside a gym on West Botany Street, Rockdale.
Mr Hawi was taken to St George Hospital, where he later died.
The alleged shooter ran from the scene before being driven away by another man in a Mercedes-Benz station wagon, which was later located on fire near Chandler Street, Rockdale.
Both men were seen running from the burning vehicle and are alleged to have fled to the Bexley area in a second vehicle – a Toyota Aurion – which was later recovered in March at Beaconsfield.
Detectives from the State Crime Command’s Criminal Groups Squad are continuing to investigate the circumstances surrounding the shooting under Strike Force Amirs.
As part of the investigation, Strike Force Amirs detectives located a firearm during a crime scene warrant at a home at Bexley. The firearm was seized and underwent forensic and ballistic examination.
Following further inquiries, a 31-year-old man was arrested at Campsie Police Station about 7.30pm yesterday (Wednesday 27 February 2019).
The Belmore man was charged with possess prohibited pistol and refused bail to appear at Burwood Local Court later today (Thursday 28 February 2019).
Investigations are continuing.
Anyone with information in that may assist Strike Force Amirs detectives is urged to contact Crime Stoppers: 1800 333 000 or https://nsw.crimestoppers.com.au. Information is treated in strict confidence.
