Sydney underworld figure escapes death for the third time after being shot in Winston Hills

An underworld figure has narrowly escaped death for the third time in ten years after being shot four times in Sydney’s west on Tuesday night – as police desperately search for the gunman responsible.

Vailena Koloamatangi, 28, was found with gunshot wounds about 10.50pm in Winston Hills, near Parramatta in the city’s west.

At least eight shots were fired, with four hitting Koloamatangi in the chest, arm, and leg. 

He was rushed to the hospital in serious but stable condition and is currently under police guard, according to NSW Police. 

The gunman fled the scene in a Jeep, which was later found set on fire in Northmead around 11pm. Despite efforts by firefighters, the SUV was completely destroyed. 

This isn’t the first attempt to take Koloamatangi’s life. 

In 2023, he was shot in the head and chest in the basement of an apartment block on Canterbury Road, and he nearly died in the hospital as a result of his injuries. 

Shortly after that attack, three stolen vehicles were discovered burning in the suburbs of Kingsgrove, Berala, and Birrong. 

Another assassination attempt took place in 2020. At that time, Koloamatangi was sitting in a Toyota Camry with his school friend Hasan Gotkas when two men opened fire, injuring Gotkas. 

A man is in hospital after he was shot four times in Winston Hills, in Sydney’s west, with a manhunt underway for his shooter

Vailena Koloamatangi was rushed to hospital clinging to life after he was shot in the head and chest

A man fired two guns at Koloamatangi up to 12 times in 2023 

Wednesday’s shooting comes just a week after a Sydney rapper was charged with murder after he allegedly stabbed a man outside a fast food restaurant in Sydney.

Jacob Tammer-Spence, 30 allegedly murdered Sitaleki ‘Leki’ Filihiahekava, 32, outside a Guzman y Gomez outlet in Marrickville, at about 7.40pm on Monday, while the footy player was having dinner with his family. 

Police believe the alleged stabbing was a targeted attack and are investigating possible links to organised crime.

Sydney was hit with dozens of tit-for-tat gangland shootings beginning in 2020 spurred by a war between rival crime organisations. 

The public attacks included five targeted shootings during a week in mid-July. 

However, the violence had subsided recently following a series of arrests that investigators say helped dismantle one of the major gangs involved.