Shocking update after teenage boys are killed in machete attack while walking home from basketball: ‘There’s no other words’
Seven teens have been arrested during early morning raids over the deaths of two boys in Melbourne a fortnight ago – with the youngest just 15-years-old.
Dau Akueng, 15, and Chol Achiek, 12, were walking home from a basketball game on the night of September 6 when the pair were ambushed and stabbed by a machete-wielding group in Cobblebank in the city’s west.
The boys were found critically injured in separate nearby streets. Both died at the scene.
Chilling CCTV captured Chol’s final moments, which showed the terrified boy being chased through the streets by a group of three.
One alleged attacker wielding a machete lunged at Chol, who fell to the ground screaming.
Police believe that those responsible for the boys’ deaths were angered by a meme referencing the stabbing death of a young teen killed late last year.
Following extensive inquiries, homicide squad detectives executed search warrants at homes in Melton South, Thornhill Park, Caroline Springs, Sunbury, Wollert, Hillside and Sydenham early Friday.
Two men aged 19 and a third, 18, were among those arrested.
Dau Akueng, 15, and Chol Achiek, 12, died on their way home from a game of basketball
A group was captured on CCTV fleeing the scene after Chol was allegedly stabbed
Three 16-year-old boys and another, 15, from north-west Melbourne were also arrested.
The seven teens are currently being interviewed by police. No charges have yet been laid.
The investigation into the boys’ deaths continues.
‘There is no other word for this than senseless,’ Victoria Police Assistant Commissioner Martin O’Brien said.
‘Two children walking home after playing sport, who should have had decades of their lives ahead of them.
‘Instead, their devastated families are grieving their loss and all the things they will never get to see two children grow up to achieve and experience.
‘This has been an exhaustive and complex criminal investigation led by the Homicide Squad, which has attracted significant community interest.
‘Over the past two weeks those detectives have worked tirelessly and methodically to identify those involved in an effort to ultimately put ourselves in the best possible position to put people before the court.
‘Today’s arrests are the result of diligent, thorough policework – much of it performed behind-the-scenes and through building sound, reliable evidence.’
Dau Akueng, 15, and Chol Achiek, 12, died several streets away from each other
Police have ramped up patrols in Cobblebank in response to community concerns.
‘The impacts of these deaths, in particular Dau and Chol’s, are felt right through our communities – from the families who have lost their loved one, through to the loss of safety that many people feel as a result, even when they don’t know those involved,’ Commissioner O’Brien added.
‘I know many people will be feeling shocked, frustrated and concerned in light of this matter.
‘I want to reassure you that locally, police will have increased patrols in the area and are working closely with community groups.’
Commissioner O’Brien paid tribute to the Good Samaritan locals who rushed to the aid of the boys following the attacks, ‘most likely without knowing whether their own safety was at risk’.
‘Finally, our thoughts are with the Akeung and Achiek families and we will continue to ensure all available support services remain in place at this difficult time,’ he said.
Anyone with information is urged to contact Crime Stoppers.
Dau’s grieving father Elbino Akueng faced to media to issue a desperate plea for justice hours after his son’s death.
Seven teens aged 15-19 have been arrested over the boys’ deaths in Cobblebank
‘In this month, four kids have died in similar incidents and there is no answer from police. There is no answer for justice,’ he told reporters.
‘I told the police last night that I need an answer for my son. My son is just gone… like this.
‘He is a basketball player, not a criminal.’
Another family member added: ‘Dau loved basketball. He loved to joke around, he loved to make friends.’
Chol’s mother Ayen Lual described her son as an intelligent and warm hearted boy who lit up the room with his smile and loving nature.
‘We remember him for how he cared for those around him, especially, his respect for the elders in his life,’ she wrote on an online fundraiser.
‘His sudden loss at just age 12 has left us numb with a hole that we know will never be filled because Chol was truly a special person with so much life ahead of him.’
