Sint-Jans-Molenbeek (Brussels Morning Newspaper) – On Friday, September 5, 2025, a man in his 30s with mental health and drug issues attacked workers with a machete on Menenstraat in Sint-Jans-Molenbeek. Weapon later found to be fake; police continue search.
As GVA News reported, a man armed with a machete and another weapon caused panic on Friday morning, Sep 5, 2025, in the Zwarte Vivers neighbourhood, Sint-Jans-Molenbeek. Police received an urgent call on Friday about a dangerous man near Menenstraat, which has road works on it. Officials said the suspect has mental health issues and has a history of substance use.
During the incident, one road worker was hit by the object. The worker was wearing a helmet, and he was not severely injured. The foreman for the road worker stated that the assailant looked confused and appeared to be drunk.
What caused the machete attack in Sint-Jans-Molenbeek?
Witnesses described that the man wielded the machete twice and returned with a 2nd weapon. Individuals on Menenstraat in Sint-Jans-Molenbeek attempted to step back hastily. Officials are now examining what weapons were used. There were no reports of serious injury.
No shots were fired during Friday’s incident, but the man fled the scene carrying his weapon. Police quickly cordoned off the Zwarte Vivers neighbourhood to protect residents. Officers were able to identify the suspect, prompting them to deploy armed units to his address on Zwarte Viversstraat in Sint-Jans-Molembeek.
The police used a megaphone to ask him to come out with his hands up. When no one responded, the police withdrew for the time being but continued their search for the man, who was seen running from the area with his dog.
Police later found the weapon at his home, along with several knives. Authorities said the weapon is believed to be fake. The road worker who was struck was taken into custody for evaluation and statements. Police reiterated that the investigation will continue now that the man has been identified and located.
Sint-Jans-Molenbeek, a district of Brussels, has faced many violent incidents recently. 2 separate shootings occurred on Ransfortstraat and Waterpasstraat on 5 and 6 August 2025. In both cases, although there were no reported injuries, the suspects in both shootings fled the scene on scooters.
Police later arrested one individual in connection with both events. Earlier, on July 14, 2025, a machete attack occurred at a hair salon on Antoine Dansaert Street, leaving 2 people injured. Authorities apprehended 3 suspects following the attack.
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