Charges likely to be dropped after bomb squad called to Bondi following Shloshim service

A Victorian man arrested after bomb disposal police were called to Bondi Road, Bondi over a duct-taped weighted vest is likely to have charges dropped, NSW Police have conceded in court.

NSW Police including members of the bomb squad were called to Bondi Road shortly after 10.10 pm following reports of suspicious behaviour in the area. Officers located a 33-year-old man, believed to be from Victoria, who was wearing the vest at the time.

Cleophias Machaya, 33, was charged with offensive behaviour after officers attached to Operation Shelter were called to Oxford Street, Bondi Junction, at about 10.10 pm on Sunday following reports of suspicious behaviour.

Police told the Local Court that Machaya had been wearing a puffer jacket over a camouflage-coloured weighted vest with silver duct tape attached while asking passers-by for directions to Bondi Beach.

The incident occurred a few kilometres from a Shloshim commemoration at Bondi Beach marking 30 days since the December terror attack, which killed 15 people during a Chanukah celebration. Thousands gathered at the beach on Sunday night under heavy police presence as the Jewish period of mourning was observed.

Given the heightened security environment, police requested assistance from the Rescue and Bomb Disposal Unit. Both the vest Machaya was wearing and a second duct-taped vest allegedly found in his car were later examined and declared safe.

Before police conceded the case may be abandoned, the 33-year-old, who has no criminal record, was visibly distressed in the dock, sobbing and shaking his head as the prosecution outlined its arguments. At one point he said, “I just made a mistake,” before being advised by his lawyer not to speak.

A police prosecutor later acknowledged that senior officers were leaning towards dropping the charges. Machaya’s lawyer, Liam McKibbin, told the court he had received a written indication that the most serious charges were likely to be withdrawn.

“I’ve received a strong indication in writing that the charges that attract the most significant concerns may well be withdrawn,” Mr McKibbin said.

Machaya was granted bail and ordered to leave NSW immediately, with conditions preventing him from returning unless required for future court appearances.

“You need to get in your car and leave the state,” Mr McKibbin told his client.

A photograph of the vest tendered in court showed a weighted training vest with duct tape loosely attached across areas covering the chest and back. Machaya told police he used the vest for mixed martial arts training, though the prosecution argued his actions caused alarm.

Magistrate Margaret Quinn described the conduct as “most unusual” given the recent terror attack.

“To go around with a camouflage vest in a place where there’s been severe distress to people is extraordinary,” she said.

Police also allege a search of Machaya’s vehicle uncovered a face mask and a tin believed to contain prohibited drugs. The weighted vest that prompted the police response has since been destroyed.

Machaya is due to return to court on 9 February.

Operation Shelter was established in 2023 to strengthen policing responses to antisemitism, hate crime and related security threats.

NSW Police said there was no ongoing threat to the public and urged anyone with concerns to report suspicious behaviour.