Police Hunt for Gang After Brutal Murders of Two Boys

Two young boys, aged 12 and 15, were tragically killed in a violent attack involving a group of masked individuals wielding machetes in Cobblebank, a suburb near Melbourne, Australia. The victims, including the 15-year-old Dau Akueng, suffered severe injuries, with reports indicating that one victim had a hand severed during the assault, which occurred on the evening of March 25, 2023.

The boys were returning home from a local basketball stadium when the incident took place. Initial investigations by the Victoria Police suggest that the attack may have been carried out by as many as eight gang members, who fled the scene in a vehicle after the brutal assault. The police noted that the boys were found dead at two different addresses located just 200 meters apart.

Detective Inspector Graham Banks stated that the attack has the characteristics of a youth gang crime, which has become increasingly concerning in the region. He emphasized that the victims were not involved in gang activities and condemned the violence, stating, “This is a really bad example of that type of violence.” He added, “I’ve seen the majority of the murders that have occurred in the youth gang space, and clearly this is one of the most horrific crimes in a substantial and growing list of crimes of this nature.”

The families of the victims are grieving deeply. Dau’s father, Elbino, expressed heartbreak over his son’s death, pointing out that the boys were simply walking home from a basketball game. He lamented the lack of answers from law enforcement regarding similar violent incidents in the area.

A family friend and fellow basketball enthusiast, Aboil Alor, described Dau as a bright young boy who deserved a happy life. Alor urged police to expedite their investigation, stating, “Please give us peace of mind for now; we need justice, especially for those children.” She expressed her sorrow over the tragic loss and emphasized the need for accountability.

In response to the community’s distress, Detective Inspector Banks assured that police would allocate extensive resources to the investigation, aiming to apprehend the suspects in the coming days. “That’s our objective,” he stated firmly.

The Collingwood Basketball Association, where Dau played and refereed, released a statement mourning his death, describing it as a profound loss to the entire community. They emphasized the impact he had both on and off the court, highlighting the void that his absence would create.

As the investigation unfolds, local residents and family members continue to seek answers and justice for the heartbreaking loss of two young lives. The police urge anyone with information regarding the incident to come forward as they work diligently to restore peace and safety to the community.