- Chol Achiek, 12, and Dau Akueng, 15, murdered
- Achiek is the youngest victim of gang violence
- READ MORE: Aussies blast 'useless' machete ban after brutal killing of boys
A violent machete attack which saw the brutal deaths of a 12-year-old and 15-year-old boy is believed to have been sparked by a meme.
Chol Achiek, 12, was waiting for his mother to pick him up after playing basketball when he was ambushed by a trio of youths and attacked with a machete.
Emergency services were called to Marble Drive in Cobblebank, 33km west of the CBD, just before 8pm on Saturday.
Paramedics found Chol with critical stab wounds and he died at the scene.
A short time later, police responded to a second call, less than 200metres away, where Chol's friend, 15-year-old Dau Akueng, was found seriously injured.
He also died at the scene.
It's believed those responsible for the machete attack were angered by a meme referencing the stabbing death of a young gang member killed late last year.
Detective Inspector Graham Banks said the victims were set upon by up to eight people wearing masks and armed with 'machetes and long-bladed knives'.
Chol Achiek, 12, (pictured) was waiting for his mum to pick him up after basketball when he was ambushed by a trio of youths and attacked with a machete
Chol's friend, 15-year-old Dau Akueng (pictured) was found seriously injured just 200metres away and also died at the scene
Dau's father (pictured) told reporters his son is a 'basketball player, not a criminal'
Three sources told The Age that the widely-shared meme had sparked the violent attack, but that the two young boys killed were not part of a gang, nor were they connected to the stabbing referenced in the meme.
The offenders are understood to be part of a youth gang involved in the machete brawl at Northland Shopping Centre in May and a series of violent home invasions.
Chol's parents rushed to the scene after noticing their son was missing from his regular pick-up spot.
His father, Chuti Ngong, said his son was an 'intelligent, funny, peaceful boy'.
'We came here, from war, for our children to have a better life,' he said. 'Now you regret coming. Children are the root of the tree. Without them, your life is uprooted.'
Dau's father, security guard Elbino Akueng, issued a desperate plea for justice, saying his son was 'a basketball player, not a criminal'.
'In this month, four kids have died in similar incidents and there is no answer from police. There is no answer for justice,' he said.
Witnesses reported a black SUV in the area around the time of the stabbings, which detectives are examining as part of their inquiries.
A family friend of one of the young victims is seen at the crime scene on Sunday
The offenders were allegedly angered by a widely-shared meme referencing the stabbing death of a young gang member late last year. It was widely-shared among members of youth gangs and groups. The two victims, aged 12 and 15, were not part of a gang
Det Insp Banks took aim at the courts and Victoria's state government on Sunday, saying penalties for youth offenders did not reflect community expectations.
'Whether that balance is right is really a matter for the community and the courts and ultimately the government,' he told a press conference.
'But as I stand here before you, I think the penalties aren't in balance with what community expectations are or mine.'
Victoria Police Chief Commissioner Mike Bush sent an internal memo on Monday to officers backing Det Insp Banks' comments.
'There must be consequences for those who commit these crimes, which drive fear in our community. While Victoria Police will always respect the independence of the courts, I understand the frustrations of members,' he said.
Anyone with information is being urged to contact Crime Stoppers.
