A Tongan man in Sydney, Semi ‘Tongan Sam’ Ngata (59), has survived being shot in the back by a suspected hitman at a Sydney home last Friday night 17 November. Semi Ngata is the long-time body guard of a high-profile businessman John Ibrahim who operates a string of nightclubs throughout Sydney.

Australian Police told local reporters that Semi was shot, while in the backyard of a home belonging to Ibrahim’s mother the night before Ibrahim's nephew was due to get married. The suspect was wearing a balaclava and is believed to have fled in a car that was later discovered burned-out in a nearby neighbourhood.

Australian Police said that Semi was recovering in hospital where he underwent surgery, but was refusing to cooperate with investigators. Since the day of the shooting, police have raided several homes including the home where Semi was shot, as part of the investigation.

The Ibrahim family have been the centre of numerous investigations by Australian law enforcement. Semi has been widely accused by local press of being an enforcer for the Ibrahim family. He is a former professional boxer who reportedly stands 6’7 feet tall and goes by the alias ‘Tongan Sam.'