What caused the bomb scare in Bondi Junction?

A bomb scare was caused by Cleophias Machaya wearing a duct-taped camouflage vest while walking near a vigil for Bondi mass shooting victims.

What was found inside Cleophias Machaya's vest?

Inside the vest, officers found a vape, a credit card, and car keys, with no explosive material located.

Were the charges against Cleophias Machaya upheld in court?

The charges of offensive behaviour and providing false information were withdrawn, though he was found guilty of possessing a prohibited drug without conviction.

Home / Crime and Justice / Bondi Bomb Scare: Man's Vest Cleared, Charges Dropped

Bondi Bomb Scare: Man's Vest Cleared, Charges Dropped

12 Feb

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Summary

Man charged after bomb scare during Bondi vigil.
Vest contained vape and keys, not explosives.
Charges of offensive behaviour and false information withdrawn.

Bondi Bomb Scare: Man's Vest Cleared, Charges Dropped

Charges have been withdrawn against Cleophias Machaya, a 34-year-old Victorian man, following a bomb scare incident in Bondi Junction on January 11. Machaya was walking near a vigil for Bondi mass shooting victims when police, alerted by a triple-zero call, approached him due to his camouflage vest, which had silver gaffer tape around it.

The vest was searched and X-rayed, revealing no explosives. Instead, officers found a vape, credit card, and car keys. Machaya stated he wore the vest as an exercise aid for his Ultimate Fighting Championship training. Paramedics assessed him and found no immediate health concerns.

Police also discovered a second weighted vest, a GoPro camera, two mobile phones, and cannabis in Machaya's van. The offensive behaviour charge and a charge of providing false information were withdrawn in court on Thursday. Machaya was found guilty of possessing a prohibited drug but received no conviction.