How Hamzy associate failed to fight off four men on exclusive Manly street

Four men in balaclavas allegedly honked a car horn to check they had the man they wanted before jumping out and kidnapping him in broad daylight on the northern beaches.

The details of the daylight kidnapping of a Hamzy associate by four men in Manly have been revealed. Picture: Supplied

Four men in balaclavas allegedly honked the horn of their ute to get a man to look at them, before jumping out and kidnapping him once they had confirmed he was the Hamzy clan associate they were looking for.

The wild incident that shocked Sydney’s Northern Beaches began at 5.56am on Sunday when Talonoa Leaaetoa, 24, Henry Kupa, 24, Eric Hema, 25, and Sonny Siope Puleiku, 19, allegedly parked their Toyota HiLux on exclusive Oyama Ave in Manly.

The Daily Telegraph can reveal details of what NSW Police allege happened over the next four hours, before officers were able to intervene and save alleged Hamzy associate Rodrigo Henriquez mid-kidnapping.

It comes as Leaaetoa, Kupa, Hema and Puleiku faced Hornsby Local Court on Monday, with their solicitor Mahmoud Abbas telling media he was still waiting to receive more “evidence” on the case.

“It is far too early to make any determination as to what the evidence is, but once all the relevant material is released, we will make a determination and proceed from there,” Mr Abbas told media.

Four men charged over an alleged kidnapping of a Hamzy associate allegedly honked their car horn so they could see his face before pouncing. Picture: Supplied

“At this stage it’s an allegation and everyone is entitled to the right of silence and presumption of innocence.”

Police will allege that after sitting in the Toyota HiLux waiting for Henriquez to emerge from his home, the 29-year-old finally emerged onto Oyama Ave at 9.19am in a grey jumper and shorts, and with a backpack on.

High-profile solicitor Mahmoud Abbas is representing Leaaetoa, Kupa, Hema and Puleiku. Picture: Christian Gilles

At that moment it is alleged the horn of the ute honked, causing Henriquez to turn and look at the car, in a move that unwittingly gave his alleged kidnappers a look at him.

Recognising their intended target, two of the men – Kupa and Hema – allegedly got out of the ute and gave chase, the former carrying a tyre iron.

Henriquez tried to run but the men on foot and in the HiLux pursued, and he was eventually chased down.

Police allege the victim was repeatedly beaten with the tyre iron, causing him to yell and scream in pain, at which stage his attackers – who still had their faces masked – tried to drag him into the back of the ute.

The men allegedly waited inside a HiLux. Picture: Supplied

Neighbours heard the altercation and rang police. Picture: Supplied

Henriquez initially tried to resist being pushed into the back seat of the vehicle, but his hands were allegedly then cable tied and grey duct tape put around his throat.

Luckily for the victim, his neighbours on Oyama Ave had heard and seen the commotion, and called Triple-0.

Police began to search for Henriquez and soon spotted the vehicle in question more than 20 minutes away on Wakehurst Parkway at Seaforth.

When the driver Leaaetoa allegedly refused to stop, police pursued the HiLux onto Warringah Rd where it was allegedly seen swerving in and out of traffic, and at one point veering onto the wrong side of the road.

After several police cars were allegedly rammed – one of which had its front bonnet ripped off – the HiLux was stopped on Starkey St at Forrestville, with armed police then arresting four men – all of who allegedly had black gloves and balaclavas on.

Henriquez suffered multiple injuries in the ordeal, including a broken finger that will require surgery.

Leaaetoa, Kupa, Hema and Puleiku made no application for bail on Monday, with Mr Abbas indicating that he will seek their release in the coming weeks.

The matter is currently listed to return to Manly Local Court in March.