Melbourne Reels After Brutal Murder of Teen Basketball Players; Seven Arrested – Breaking News
MELBOURNE, AUSTRALIA – September 20, 2025 – A wave of grief and shock has swept through Melbourne after the senseless murders of 12-year-old Achek (Chol Achiek) and 15-year-old Akun (Dau Aqueng). Seven teenagers are now in custody, facing murder charges in connection with the attack, which occurred as the boys were walking home from basketball practice. This is a developing story, and Archyde.com is committed to providing the latest updates as they become available. This incident is already sparking urgent conversations about youth crime and community safety in Victoria.
Details of the Tragic Attack
The horrific incident unfolded on September 6th in Cobblebank, a suburb of Melbourne. According to reports from Epoch Times, Achek and Akun were ambushed by a group of masked individuals wielding machetes and other bladed weapons. Surveillance footage reportedly shows one of the boys being chased and forced to the ground by three attackers, desperately calling out for help. The speed and brutality of the attack have left the community reeling.
Arrests and Charges
Following a series of raids conducted across seven Melbourne suburbs early Friday morning (September 19th), police announced the arrest of seven teenagers. Charges have been laid in connection with the deaths of both boys. A 19-year-old man from Thornhill, a 16-year-old from Sunbury, a 15-year-old from Hillside, and a 16-year-old from Sydenham have been charged with the murder of Akun. A 19-year-old from Caroline Springs and an 18-year-old from Wollert face charges related to Achek’s death. Two additional 19-year-olds and an 18-year-old appeared in Melbourne Magistrates Court and were remanded in custody, with a future court date set for December 12th. Four other minors appeared in children’s court and were also remanded, with a return date scheduled for February 16th. Concerns have been raised regarding the safety of some defendants within the juvenile detention system.
A Community in Mourning
Akun was a rising star in the Collingwood Basketball Association, having previously played and refereed near Collingwood before joining the Wolfpack Basketball Club after his family relocated. Achek, a member of the Nile Warriors Basketball Club, was described by his father during a vigil as a peaceful and beloved child. The loss has deeply impacted both basketball communities and the wider Victorian public. Victoria Police Assistant Chief Martin O’Brien expressed the profound tragedy of the situation, stating that both boys “should have had a long life.”
Rising Concerns About Youth Crime in Australia
This tragedy comes amidst a broader national conversation about youth crime in Australia. While statistics vary by state, there’s been a noticeable increase in youth offending in recent years, particularly in property crime and, increasingly, violent offenses. Experts point to a complex interplay of factors, including socioeconomic disadvantage, mental health issues, and the breakdown of family structures. The Victorian government has reconvened a working group of South Sudanese-Australian judiciary experts in response to the deaths, signaling a commitment to addressing the specific needs of this community and preventing future tragedies. Understanding the root causes of youth crime is crucial for developing effective prevention and intervention strategies. This includes investing in early intervention programs, providing access to mental health services, and addressing systemic inequalities.
The Investigation Continues
The investigation is described as “quite complicated” by the Magistrates, with police needing to gather extensive evidence, including witness testimony and video footage. The meticulous nature of the investigation underscores the seriousness of the charges and the commitment to ensuring justice for Achek and Akun. The case is expected to draw significant media attention and public scrutiny as it progresses.
The deaths of Achek and Akun serve as a heartbreaking reminder of the fragility of life and the urgent need for continued efforts to build safer and more supportive communities. Stay with Archyde.com for the latest updates on this developing story and for in-depth coverage of issues impacting Australian communities.
