UPDATE: A community in Cobblebank, Melbourne, is gripped by fear following the shocking double murder of two youths on the evening of September 30, 2023. Authorities confirm that Dau Akueng, 15, and a 12-year-old boy were brutally attacked by a group of masked assailants armed with machetes while returning home from a local basketball match.
The alleged offenders are still at large, prompting police to label the incident as having the “hallmarks of a youth gang crime.” Detective Inspector Graham Banks stated that while the attack appears targeted, investigators will also explore the possibility of mistaken identity. “The children who were murdered were not gang members and it is not OK to remain silent,” Banks emphasized during a press conference.
The aftermath of this tragic event has left families and residents shaken. Elbino Akueng, the father of the slain teenager, has visited the crime scene, demanding answers. “My son is just gone like this—he was a basketball player, not a criminal,” he lamented, highlighting the personal impact of this tragedy.
Witness accounts paint a terrifying picture of the events. Reports indicate that a group of face-masked males attacked the youths, with CCTV footage revealing at least eight individuals armed with long blades. The incidents occurred near several homes, including one belonging to Jatinder Kaur, whose daughter first alerted her to the chaos outside. “It’s too scary for them,” Kaur said, expressing concern for her children’s safety.
Nearby resident Christopher McFarlane discovered one of the victims’ bodies after hearing noises outside. He described seeing a group of eight individuals brandishing machetes fleeing in a large vehicle just before 8 PM. McFarlane, who usually walks his dog in the area, now feels unsafe, stating, “This is such a safe area, but now that’s all gone. Everyone’s just devastated and shocked.”
As fear spreads throughout the community, local authorities are ramping up efforts to ensure safety. The recent machete ban in Victoria, effective from September 1, aimed to curb weapon-related violence, but many residents feel the effects have yet to be felt. The community is encouraged to dispose of weapons at designated bins located at police stations across the state.
Recent crime statistics reveal a staggering **17.9%** rise in offenses committed by youths aged 10 to 17 over the past year, marking the second consecutive quarter of record youth crime rates since data collection began in 1993. These alarming trends underscore the urgency for action as police appeal for witnesses and dashcam footage from the night of the murders.
As the investigation unfolds, the community remains on edge, grappling with profound loss and uncertainty. Residents are urged to come forward with any information that could aid in bringing the offenders to justice. The situation is developing, and further updates are expected as police continue their inquiries.
