Two boys, aged 12 and 15, were fatally stabbed in a suspected gang-related attack in Cobblebank, Melbourne, on Saturday evening. The victims, identified as Dau Akueng and Chol Achiek, were ambushed by a group of masked assailants armed with machetes and long-edged weapons. The attack occurred as the boys were walking home from a local basketball game.
CCTV footage captured the chilling moment the younger victim was chased and assaulted by the attackers. Witnesses reported hearing screams and discovering the boys with severe injuries. One of the victims had a hand severed during the assault. Both boys died at the scene despite efforts to administer first aid.
Detective Inspector Graham Banks described the incident as one of the most horrific crimes in a growing list of youth gang-related offenses. He emphasized that the victims were not known gang members and may have been targeted due to mistaken identity. Police are searching for up to eight masked attackers who fled the scene in an unidentified vehicle.
The attack has sparked outrage and grief within the community. Community leaders and residents have called for stronger action to combat youth violence and gang-related activities. Victorian Premier Jacinta Allan expressed condolences and announced plans to convene a working group with South Sudanese community leaders to address the issue.
The tragedy has also drawn attention to the rising crime rates in Victoria. Recent data indicates a 17.1% increase in overall offenses and a 20.1% rise in personal victim reports over the past year. Opposition leaders have criticized the government’s handling of youth crime and called for tougher penalties for offenders.
As investigations continue, the community remains in shock, mourning the loss of two young lives taken too soon.
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