Slain father Mal Seve was 'moving on' from gang life before his alleged murder
A father-of-two allegedly shot dead outside his Sydney home had been trying to leave his past behind after years in jail.
A father-of-two allegedly murdered in Sydney’s latest public slaying was “moving on” with his life after years spent in jail due to gang violence.
Mal Seve, 28, was allegedly shot dead outside his Blacktown home on November 28, and two men have been charged with murder.
Seve had served much of the 2020s in jail and was previously associated with the Inner West Brotherhood, a coalition of street gangs based in western Sydney.
Former 21 District member, now social media personality, Jay Lekz – real name James Nikua – paid tribute to Seve on the podcast Bros and Cons last week.
Mr Nikua said the young father was a close friend and added that he believed Seve had left crime behind since being released from prison only recently.
“I did have a few words with Mal when he got out,” the rapper said.
“This guy when he came out, we shared a lot of very good conversations … he was looking to record music, go to church, get a missus, get a job.”
They had spoken about meeting up for a Christmas party this year, with Mr Nikua saying the death had been “eye opening”.
“It’s so close to home bro, when someone you were talking to the next day passes like that, and in that nature as well,” he said. “It’s ugly.
“You’ve just gotta live every day like your last and hopefully leave behind something impactful for the next generation to not make the same mistakes.”
Seve was jailed for two years in 2019 over a wild pub brawl at the Mt Druitt Village Hotel with members of the OneFour gang.
Parramatta District Court heard Seve was a promising footballer whose life spiralled out of control when his rugby league contract was torn up due to previous affray convictions.
Then in 2021 the District Court heard that Seve, while behind bars, bashed an older inmate so badly he needed teeth removed and a metal plate put in his face.
Judge Penny Hock at the time described the attack as “a very cowardly act by a very young man”.
Seve pleaded guilty to a charge of robbery in company causing wounding/grievous bodily harm.
Judge Hock sentenced him in December 2021 to six years’ prison, with a non-period of three years and six months, for the attack.
He was first eligible for parole for that offence in May 2024 and was released from custody in 2025.
Mr Nikua said he had been considering inviting Seve on the podcast, co-hosted by fellow former 21 District members Malik and Ron Gotti, to share his story.
“By the way … hand on heart, I wouldn’t tell no lie, this guy was already moving on with his life,” he said.
“He came out (of jail) with a clean slate, clean mind.
“And that’s why it hurt me so much … because I knew the direction this guy was heading and I was so excited for him.”
Seve was fatally shot in the chest and neck near his home on Carinya St just before noon on Friday, November 28.
Police pursued a black Mazda before arresting two men on Kildare Rd.
Taine Crompton, 25, was charged with murder, use offensive weapon to prevent lawful detention, be carried in conveyance taken without consent of owner, hinder or resist police officer in the execution of duty and breach of bail.
Hoani Tewhare, 18, was charged with murder, take and drive conveyance without consent and failing to stop during a police pursuit.
Both men did not apply for bail when they appeared before courts last week, where their matters were adjourned to January.
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