Apprentice Star's Brave Actions Thwart Knifeman Rampage in Southampton
In a dramatic incident that unfolded on the streets of Southampton, a former star of the BBC's The Apprentice played a pivotal role in preventing a violent attack by a knifeman. Sohail Chowdhary, who appeared on the show in 2023, helped flag down police and distract the assailant, contributing to the safety of multiple passersby.
Details of the Attack and Heroic Response
The attack occurred on August 3 last year, between 12.40pm and 1pm, outside an Aldi supermarket in Southampton. Azzedvie Mahmoudi, a 46-year-old former maths teacher, randomly targeted individuals, resulting in injuries to two people out of seven attempted assaults. CCTV footage released shows civilians, including Chowdhary, directing police officers towards the attacker.
Mahmoudi, who has since been sentenced to two years and six months in prison at Southampton Crown Court, was described as floridly psychotic after ceasing medication for paranoid schizophrenia. Chowdhary, a martial arts instructor and founder of Limitless Martial Arts Southampton, used his skills to throw objects at Mahmoudi, warn the public, and guide police to the scene.
Court Proceedings and Statements
During the prosecution, Matthew Lawson detailed how Chowdhary and others intervened. One man got a trolley and used it to get the defendant away. He tried to run but tripped on a bollard and Mahmoudi stabbed at him, but he was pulled to safety by Mr Chowdhary, Lawson stated. Chowdhary continued to follow Mahmoudi, preventing further attacks and advising against reckless actions by bystanders.
Investigating officer DC Ryan Mitchell praised the public's bravery, noting that the fact no one was more seriously hurt or died is in no small part thanks to the heroic actions of those members of the public. Judge William Mousley KC, while sentencing, highlighted Mahmoudi's mental health condition and the consequences of stopping medication, which reduced his culpability.
Community Impact and Personal Reflections
In an Instagram post from last August, Chowdhary expressed pride in his team's response, thanking colleagues Viktor, Mohamed, and Jamie for their lifesaving efforts. As the founder of Limitless Martial Arts, I couldn't be more proud. Our team didn't just represent the discipline and courage we teach – we lived it, he wrote, emphasising community strength and safety.
Mahmoudi pleaded guilty to charges including unlawful wounding and possession of a bladed article. This incident underscores the importance of mental health awareness and public vigilance in urban safety matters.
