A Ballarat labourer recounted the harrowing moment a bullet tore through his leg as two men were committed to stand trial for the alleged shooting. Dylan Wittingslow, 31, and Wayne Leftley, 50, appeared in Ballarat Magistrates' Court on February 17 and 18, 2026, for a committal hearing regarding the incident that reportedly occurred on June 23, 2025. During the two-day hearing, the court heard from multiple witnesses, including the alleged victim, Ivan Rajic, who described the chaos that ensued shortly after he clocked off work.
Rajic detailed the shocking moment when he heard a loud bang, followed by an inability to control his leg. "I lost complete control of my limb. I couldn't even stand on it," he stated. In a state of confusion and shock, he yelled at those around him, unsure of who had shot him. The incident occurred just hours after Rajic and Wittingslow had finished their shift at a local excavation site. Rajic recounted receiving unusual messages from Wittingslow prior to the shooting, which he described as sounding unlike anything from a colleague. "They were strange messages, not what you'd expect from a mate," he said during his testimony.
Events Leading to the Alleged Shooting
Before the shooting, Rajic and his partner visited a friend's property in Winter Valley, where they found themselves in a large industrial shed. Shortly after arriving, they were joined by Wittingslow, Leftley, and Leftley's partner. Tensions quickly escalated between Rajic and Wittingslow, leading to a heated dispute. Rajic attempted to de-escalate the situation, suggesting they settle their differences through a fight, followed by drinks.
However, as the argument progressed, Rajic noticed Wittingslow holding something shiny and advancing towards him. According to Rajic, Wittingslow placed the object down, and they prepared to engage in a physical confrontation when he suddenly felt a sharp pain in his leg. Moments later, Rajic's partner rushed him to the Ballarat Base Hospital, where he underwent emergency surgery for his injuries.
Witness Testimonies and Evidence Presented
On the second day of the hearing, Detective Senior Constable Bradley Allen provided testimony on behalf of the prosecution. He argued that Wittingslow and Leftley had colluded in the alleged shooting, suggesting that they had entered the shed armed with firearms, as corroborated by CCTV footage. Two additional witnesses who were present in the shed during the shooting but in a separate room also gave their accounts, though their testimonies varied.
Defense barristers for both Wittingslow and Leftley challenged the prosecution's narrative, arguing that the case lacked sufficient evidence to warrant trial. The barrister representing Leftley emphasized that the allegations against his client were vague, pointing out that no one had witnessed Leftley handling the firearm implicated in the shooting. Similarly, Wittingslow's defense argued that Rajic himself had expressed uncertainty regarding who had shot him, thereby questioning the reliability of the prosecution's primary witness.
Legal Proceedings and Implications
The proceedings hinged on the credibility of witness testimonies and the interpretation of evidence presented by both sides. Magistrate Julia Barling presided over the hearing, weighing the arguments from the defense against the prosecution's claims. The outcome of this case carries significant implications for all parties involved, particularly for Rajic, who continues to cope with the physical and emotional aftermath of the alleged attack.
As the case moves forward toward trial, the community remains on edge, reflecting on the gravity of gun violence and its far-reaching impacts. The court's decision to commit Wittingslow and Leftley for trial marks a critical step in seeking justice for Rajic, while also illuminating broader issues around workplace safety and conflict resolution.
With the trial date yet to be set, all eyes will be on the legal proceedings as they unfold. The case serves as a sobering reminder of the potential consequences of interpersonal conflicts and the importance of addressing disputes safely and thoughtfully.