Thursday, 11 September 2025

Dau Akueng and Chol Achiek

Steve McGHIE (Melton) (10:45): The Melton community right now is hurting and feeling a profound sense of loss and pain after the deaths of Dau and Chol, whose lives were stolen as they walked home from basketball on Saturday night. Dau and Chol were on their way home from Cobblebank Stadium, which is always full of basketball players young and old and a place that has become a cultural hub for all sports and competition in the Melton community. Both boys were barbarically targeted and hunted down just metres from their homes. Disgracefully, the media decided to screen this barbaric attack – shame on them. Melton police are working around the clock trying to bring justice for these victims and their families. These perpetrators will be caught, and they will be held accountable for the murders of these two young boys.

I want to acknowledge the local residents who rushed to the aid of Chol and Dau: the woman who cradled Chol and was with him until the end, ensuring he was not alone and was no longer afraid – what courage you showed – and the other neighbours who rushed outside into the street, who were not sure exactly what they were running out to but without question wanted to help and protect their community. I also want to thank the first responders who attended the horrific scene. It is no easy job. Thank you for your service not only today but every single day in showing up for Victorians no matter what. I extend my heartfelt condolences to the families, friends, teammates and the Melton Secondary and Staughton College communities, who are mourning the loss of Dau and Chol. We stand alongside our community. More work needs to be done, and we will do it. If you have any information, please contact the Melton police or Crime Stoppers.