The family of a man charged in a shocking random attack on a tourist in Vancouver's picturesque seawall is reeling from the devastating incident.

On April 15, a visitor from Toronto was violently assaulted while enjoying a stroll along the scenic waterfront. The alleged attacker, 29-year-old Peterhans Jalo Nungu, is now facing serious charges, including assault causing bodily harm.

After his arrest, Nungu was released under strict conditions. He’s imposed with house arrest in South Vancouver, required to check in with a bail supervisor, and must attend psychiatric assessments. No contact with the victim is allowed, and he cannot consume drugs or alcohol.

Nungu's mother, Magdalene, shared the family's heartbreak with Global News, explaining her son's struggle with mental illness. Just days before the attack, they had called for police assistance to take him to the hospital. Instead, he ended up facing charges for threatening a woman and assaulting an officer.

"He was in a mentally ill condition, and we only wanted help for him," Magdalene lamented. "We never expected this outcome."

Magdalene emphasized that he had previously sought treatment for his mental health issues but recently faced a setback that led to the unfortunate events.

The emotional toll on the family has been immense. Magdalene described their collective trauma, saying, "We are all suffering from anxiety and sleepless nights. We are broken down mentally."

Currently, Nungu is receiving treatment in a psychiatric hospital, and his family is desperate for him to get the care he needs. They believe this tragic incident could have been avoided with the right support.

B.C. Premier David Eby addressed the incident, expressing deep concern for both the victim and Nungu's mental health, acknowledging that in situations like these, decisive interventions are crucial to preventing future violence.

As the family grapples with this tragedy, they remain hopeful for a path to healing for Nungu and are devastated by the ripple effects of his actions.