UPDATE: A 16-year-old boy has been charged in the brutal murders of 15-year-old Dau Akueng and 12-year-old Chol Achiek in Cobblebank, with prosecutors revealing a chilling motive of revenge linked to a previous homicide. The teen was denied bail in the Supreme Court on September 6, as shocking details of a group knife attack emerged, leaving the community in fear.
Prosecutors allege that the attack was orchestrated as retaliation for the December 2024 murder of 18-year-old Kon Hsu Sein in Kurunjang, who was also a victim of extreme violence, having his left hand severed. The similarities between the two cases have prompted authorities to link them directly, raising concerns about youth gang culture in the area.
On the evening of the attack, just before 8 PM, Dau and Chol were ambushed shortly after disembarking from a bus. They were walking with a third friend, a 14-year-old, when a group of eight teenagers armed with machetes descended upon them. The two boys were not affiliated with any gangs and were simply in the wrong place at the wrong time.
The Supreme Court Justice James Elliott described the horrific scene, stating that both Dau and Chol were brutally stabbed within 150 meters of each other. The 14-year-old managed to escape, but the attack was so fierce that Dau suffered 72 injuries and Chol sustained five injuries, leading to their tragic deaths.
Witnesses reported that the accused, along with his co-defendants, had used a stolen vehicle to track down their victims. After the attack, the accused was seen using his grandmother’s phone to order an Uber home, with investigators later finding blood-stained clothing at his residence that allegedly connects him to the crime scene.
Detective Senior Constable Jarrod Brookman, from the homicide squad, stated, “The motivation for this attack was retribution, revenge.” He emphasized that the violent tendencies in the community have not diminished, raising alarms about ongoing gang culture targeting young individuals.
Crown prosecutor Kristie Churchill opposed the bail application, highlighting that the victims’ families now live in fear. Many have sought enhanced security measures for their homes, with some contemplating leaving the area altogether. “They are terrified,” Churchill remarked, stressing the need for community safety.
Defense barrister Colin Mandy argued for the teen’s release, citing the potential for rehabilitation and familial support. He claimed that his client had been threatened while in custody and faced challenges in the youth detention environment. Mandy proposed a bail address on the Gold Coast and offered a $100,000 surety from the accused’s grandmother, a security officer.
Despite these arguments, Justice Elliott deemed the risk to the community too significant, stating, “The risk is simply too great.” The accused will remain in custody and is scheduled to return to the children’s court in February.
The case has sent shockwaves through the Cobblebank community, with the police labeling the attack as one of the worst knife crimes they have witnessed. As the investigation continues, the repercussions of this violent incident will undoubtedly resonate across the region, highlighting the urgent need for addressing youth violence and gang affiliations.
Stay tuned for further updates as the situation develops.
