Two boys have been killed in Melbourne’s outer-west after being attacked by a group of masked men, sparking grief across the community and renewed debate over youth crime.
Both victims were African-Australian friends, aged just 12 and 15, whose deaths have shaken families and intensified calls for answers from authorities.
A Violent Saturday Night
Emergency services were called to Marble Drive in Cobblebank, near Melton, shortly before 8pm on Saturday. A 12-year-old boy was found with critical stab wounds.
CCTV shows three masked males chasing the boy before one of them hurls a bladed weapon that causes him to collapse. The group then attacks him on the ground before fleeing.
A neighbour rushed to his aid but could not save him.
Minutes later, police discovered 15-year-old Dau Akueng injured on nearby Cobble Street. Despite attempts to revive him, he also died at the scene.
Authorities later confirmed the pair were friends.
“He Couldn’t Make It Home”
On Sunday, Dau’s father, Elbino Akueng, stood before cameras in anguish, describing the unimaginable loss of his son.
“We’ve buried in these two weeks … four kids. Similar incidents happening, there’s no answer from police,” he said.
He explained Dau had been returning home from the local basketball stadium when the attack occurred.
“Multiple kids, they just finished basketball. The basketball stadium is just right there … he couldn’t make it home,” he said.
Records show Dau had played two games earlier that day for the Collingwood Basketball Association at Cobblebank Stadium. His teammates and coaches are among those mourning the tragedy.
Police Search for Attackers
Detective Inspector Graham Banks said police are searching for “up to approximately eight offenders” believed to be responsible, all wearing face masks and carrying machetes or similar weapons.
He said the attack bore “the hallmarks of youth gang crime” but stressed the victims themselves were not considered gang members, noting that the 12-year-old was far too young to be involved.
The offenders fled in a vehicle and remain on the run.
Rising Concerns About Youth Crime
Banks described the killings as among the worst knife crimes Victoria has witnessed and warned that youth offending has been climbing for a decade.
“As I stand here before you, I think the penalties aren’t in balance with what community expectations are, or mine,” he said, calling for tougher sentencing.
Figures from the Crime Statistics Agency show Victoria’s overall crime rate is now at its highest since 2016, with youth crime hitting a 15-year peak. Authorities say the trend is being fuelled by repeat offenders.
Victoria banned machetes earlier this month in an attempt to curb such attacks.
Political and Community Outcry
The killings have drawn condemnation across the political spectrum.
Labor minister Lily D’Ambrosio described them as “horrendous, despicable crimes”, saying: “We’ve had two families’ lives pulled asunder … and we urge any Victorian that does have information that could assist Victoria Police in the active investigations to please come forward.”
Opposition Leader Brad Battin said in a statement: “Too many Victorians have been victims of crime. Last night, two more Victorians were tragically added to that tally.”
A Community in Mourning
As the investigation continues, Cobblebank residents and the wider African-Australian community are left grappling with the loss of two young boys who should have been safe walking home from basketball.
For Mr Akueng, the grief is all-consuming. His words capture the heartbreak: “He couldn’t make it home.”
