Australian Man Dies in Violent Shooting at Villa Casa Santisya

In the early hours of Saturday, June 14, 2025, the tranquil façade of one of Bali’s luxurious villa retreats was violently shattered by a brutal and unexpected shooting. Villa Casa Santisya, nestled in the scenic area of Munggu in the Badung regency of Bali—a destination renowned for its popularity among tourists—became the scene of a deadly crime involving two Australian nationals.

The incident left one man dead and another critically injured, sparking a full-scale manhunt and a wave of concern among both locals and the international community. The two men involved in the tragic event were identified as Zivan Radmanovic, aged 33, and Sanar Ghanim, aged 35.

Reports from multiple news outlets, including Nine News, ABC Australia, and the Bali Tribune, confirmed that Radmanovic died at the scene from gunshot wounds, while Ghanim was shot multiple times and rushed to a hospital in Denpasar, Bali’s capital. This shocking act of violence not only disrupted the quiet surroundings of Villa Casa Santisya but also raised questions about safety, crime, and the involvement of transnational elements in Bali’s tourism landscape.

The Incident at Villa Casa Santisya

According to information gathered from eyewitnesses and police sources, the attack occurred shortly after midnight at 12:15 a.m. on June 14. The victims, both Australian citizens, were residing at Villa Casa Santisya along with Radmanovic’s wife, Gourdeas Jazmyn, 30, who witnessed the shooting firsthand. She later recounted the harrowing experience to authorities, offering critical details that could help piece together the moments leading up to the tragedy.

Jazmyn was asleep in bed when she was awakened by her husband’s screams. Alarmed and terrified, she instinctively pulled the blanket over her head but managed to peek at the unfolding scene. She reportedly saw a man clad in a bright orange jacket with a black helmet—presumably one of the assailants—enter the bathroom area where her husband was located and fire shots at him. Moments later, she heard further gunshots coming from another room and the scream of Sanar Ghanim, indicating he too had been targeted.

After the shooting stopped, Jazmyn ran from her room to check on Ghanim, finding him bleeding profusely from multiple gunshot wounds. Despite the trauma, she tried to help him by stopping the bleeding. Then she returned to her husband’s side to check for signs of life. Sadly, Radmanovic had already succumbed to his injuries. The scene she described was one of chaos, horror, and confusion. Her eyewitness account, however, has provided crucial insight into the attackers’ appearance and movements.

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Another guest staying at the villa, a woman named Daniela, also gave her account of the night’s events. She was jolted awake by what she described as an “explosion” and spotted a man in a green jacket attempting to enter her room. In a panic, she fled from the villa and later recounted her experience to the Bali Tribune. According to her, she was fortunate to have escaped unharmed, as the intruder seemed intent on entering multiple rooms.

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Police believe the suspects fled the scene shortly after the shooting, with eyewitnesses claiming they escaped on two scooters. They were last seen wearing distinct clothing: one in an orange jacket and the other in green, both wearing dark helmets and, in one case, a mask. Local police and forensic teams have been working around the clock, scouring CCTV footage and gathering evidence from the scene.

Search for the Suspects and Ongoing Investigation

Following the deadly incident, Balinese authorities launched a major investigation and began searching for the suspects, both of whom are believed to be male and speak with pronounced Australian accents. This has led investigators to consider the possibility that the shooters might also be Australian nationals or, at the very least, individuals with strong ties to Australia. The detail about their accents, coupled with their swift and planned getaway, has led some to speculate about premeditation.

As of now, no arrests have been made, and the motive behind the attack remains unclear. Authorities have yet to determine whether the shooting was connected to personal disputes, organized crime, or any other underlying cause. However, given the execution-style nature of the shooting and the precise timing, many believe this may have been a targeted hit rather than a random act of violence.

The body of Zivan Radmanovic was transported to Prof. Ngoerah Hospital in Bali for a formal autopsy. Forensic examinations and autopsy results will play a key role in confirming the manner of death and potentially offering additional clues. Meanwhile, Sanar Ghanim was taken to a hospital in Denpasar where he remains in critical condition. Reports suggest he was shot as many as seven times, and he has undergone multiple surgeries.

Interpol may also be involved if it is determined that the suspects have fled Indonesian territory. The seriousness of the crime has drawn international attention, prompting diplomatic channels to open between Indonesia and Australia. The Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT) has confirmed it is supporting the family of the deceased and is in contact with Indonesian authorities. In statements to the media, DFAT expressed condolences and urged cooperation in resolving the case swiftly.

Impact on Bali’s Reputation and Tourism Concerns

Bali has long been regarded as one of the safest and most welcoming tourist destinations in Southeast Asia. With its idyllic beaches, vibrant culture, and booming hospitality industry, the island draws millions of visitors each year, including a significant number of Australians. The Villa Casa Santisya incident, however, has cast a shadow over this image, raising fresh concerns about safety and crime in tourist zones.

Though Bali has seen occasional criminal incidents involving tourists in the past, shootings remain rare. The violent nature of this particular crime—occurring within a private villa compound often rented by high-end travelers—has rattled both residents and expatriates. Some local tourism operators fear that international media coverage could lead to a short-term dip in tourist confidence, particularly among Australian travelers who comprise one of the largest visitor demographics in Bali.

In response, local authorities have moved quickly to reassure the public. Additional security measures have reportedly been put in place in areas popular with tourists. Law enforcement has increased patrols, particularly in the Badung area, and has urged villa operators and hotel owners to tighten their security protocols and install modern surveillance systems.

Meanwhile, civil society in Bali has rallied in support of the victims. Messages of condolences and support have been shared on social media, with many calling for justice and transparency. Activists and public figures have used the moment to advocate for improved public safety infrastructure and better coordination between local police and international law enforcement agencies.

As investigators continue their work, there remains a strong hope that the perpetrators will be identified and brought to justice. However, the incident is likely to remain etched in public memory for some time. It serves as a stark reminder that even in the most tranquil and picturesque locations, violence can erupt under unforeseen circumstances.

For now, Villa Casa Santisya stands silent, its reputation forever altered by the tragedy that unfolded within its walls. A place once associated with peaceful escapes and tropical serenity is now part of an international crime story that has sent shockwaves far beyond Bali’s shores. As Bali confronts the aftermath, the lives of those closest to the victims—particularly Gourdeas Jazmyn and the family of Zivan Radmanovic—remain forever changed by the events of June 14.

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