Innocent man shot dead in mistaken gangland hit

Joshua Macdonald, 40, shot dead in Merrylands West; police had warned the intended target, Moshtaba Hafizi, that his life was at risk and his home could be targeted.

Why it mattersInnocent people are being killed by mistake in Sydney's gang violence. Police are struggling to stop the bloodshed.

AustraliaNSW faces a surge in random fatal violence; police are increasing street patrols; buyers and renters in western Sydney are caught in an escalating gang conflict.

Corroborated bytheage.com.au·watoday.com.au

✓ Claims checked against the source and corrected before publish. checked 3 h ago

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✓ The Guardian AustraliaPower & Policy

Mistaken-identity shootings kill two in Sydney as gangs recruit

Two people were shot dead in Sydney in suspected mistaken-identity killings within two days. Police say this is part of a pattern: as many as six such shootings since the start of last year.

Why it mattersThe shootings show how organised crime is bringing deadly violence to Sydney by exploiting young Australians to commit murders. Many of the victims are hit by mistake.