Police officers and members of the public received Certificates of Merit for their actions during the September 2021 attack on a New Lynn Countdown by Ahamed Samsudeen.
Police officers and members of the public received Certificates of Merit for their actions during the September 2021 attack on a New Lynn Countdown by Ahamed Samsudeen.
A security guard, who was on his second day of the job, is among a group being recognised for their bravery during the 2021 terrorist attack at a Countdown supermarket in LynnMall.
Four police officers and six members of the public received their certificates from Police Commissioner Richard Chambers ata ceremony today. A further four were unable to attend.
“Bravery is not the absence of fear – it is the decision to act in spite of it,” Waitematā District Commander Superintendent Naila Hassan said.
“Each of you made that decision, and today we honour you not just for what you did, but for who you are.
“Your actions speak volumes of your character and integrity. Thank you for being the kind of person who chose to act when others needed you most.”
On September 3, 2021, Ahamed Samsudeen entered the supermarket and launched a knife attack, injuring several people before being shot by police.
Police said the actions of those honoured with the certificates, including administering first aid, evacuating others and containing the situation, helped to save lives and prevent further harm.
Among those receiving awards was Luke Mayo, who was 19 at the time and worked as a security guard in LynnMall. It was his second day on the job.
Mayo ran to the store and started to yell at the attacker to keep back and helped to evacuate people once police shot the offender.
Other recipients included Susan Fox, Yasmin Folekene, Jonathan Mapusua, Darian Sundars, Rahul Rall, Monica Seve, Sharon Colquhon and Trevor Sutor for aiding victims of the attack.
Police shot and killed Ahamed Samsudeen during the incident at LynnMall in September 2021. Photo / Alex Burton
Lucy Hill-Kham was also commended and is the wife of Rodney Khan, who received a Bravery medal from the Royal Humane Society for confronting Samsudeen.
The four police officers to receive certificates of merit were Detective Samuel Walker, Constable Samuel Holland, Sergeant Alexandra Waworis and Constable Victoria Mason, all of whom applied critical first aid to victims.
Police and members of the public gave critical first aid to victims of Samsudeen's attack. Photo / Alex Burton
Woolworths New Lynn management were awarded a Commissioner’s Commendation Certificate for leadership and support during the attack.
An inquest into the attack began in May, with the first phase being partly driven by questions from survivors about the incident.
The second phase covers the four-month period in which Samsudeen was living in the community before the attack and the third phase will look at his time in prison.
Inspector Derek Sarney told the inquest the attacker didn’t co-operate with officers trying to de-escalate the situation, leaving police with no option but to shoot Samsudeen because of the risk to himself and the public.
