'She was a mother to everyone': Sudanese leader and role model to troubled youths in Melbourne is killed in alleged hit and run crash 'after being dragged along the road for 200m and left to die'
- Prominent South Sudanese leader was killed in alleged hit-and-run in Melbourne
- Abiol Atem Manyang was known in the Melbourne community as Mama Abiol
- She was crossing the road when a car struck her and she was dragged 200m
- Tributes are flowing for Ms Manyang online, many saying she was kind-hearted
A mother-of-five was killed after being hit by a car and dragged for 200 metres before she was left to die on the side of the road.
Ms Manyang, known in the Melbourne Sudanese community as Mama Abiol, died on Wednesday after being hit by a car in Ardeer, in Melbourne's west at 6.45pm.
She was struck by a black Holden Commodore, allegedly driven by 31-year-old Tom Street.
The respected community leader, 50, came to Australia in 2003 from South Sudan and mentored children across Melbourne, teaching traditional dance to younger generations.
Abiol Atem Manyang (pictured), known in the Melbourne Sudanese community as Mama Abiol, was crossing the road in Ardeer in Melbourne's west at 6.45pm Wednesday
Ms Manyang allegedly struck the car's side and left bonnet before she was dragged 200 metres down the road, The Age reported.
Street handed himself in after the accident and was charged over the alleged hit and run.
He appeared before Melbourne Magistrates' Court on Wednesday where he was refused bail.
The court heard how Street allegedly hit Ms Manyang before pulling over and removing her from his vehicle before laying her down on a nature strip and driving away.
Ms Manyang was found after 50 minutes but had already died.
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Ms Manyang's death has devastated the Sudanese community and many residents have taken to social media to post tributes.
She has been remembered as a kind-hearted woman who played a significant role in mentoring troubled youths.
Ms Manyang's brother, Majok Atem Manyang, said his sister had left behind five children.
'She was a very unique person, she was friendly to everyone. It didn't matter who you were, she took everyone as a friend,' he said.
'She loved traditional stuff, she liked to sing and dance.'
Abuk Mulana Manyang Kolang left a touching tribute for Ms Manyang on Facebook, saying the death was 'too much to handle'.
Ms Manyang struck the car's side and left bonnet before she was dragged 200 metres down the road
'Your death has effected not just Twi or Bor community but the entire South Sudanese community. You were the example of unity,' she wrote.
'You love everyone no matter where they came from. You belong among angels in heaven. You were too special for this earth.'
'I have had some of the best conversations with you. You are so wise and so gentle. I will miss you terribly. RIP'
Macmajok Media also took to Facebook to say Ms Manyang's dedicated volunteering service in mentoring youth in Australia though cultural activities was widely accredited in the Sudanese community.
Tributes for Ms Manyang described her as a kind-hearted woman who played a significant role in mentoring troubled youth
'She left a lasting legacy behind, one she will forever be missed by those who came to know her and touched by her work. Rest in Peace mother of youth,' the Facebook post read.
Days after Ms Manyang's tragic death, a fundraiser was launched to help pay for funeral costs. The page raised more than $6,000 in one day.
'Her sudden demise has undoubtedly left a huge void deep inside our hearts,' the description reads.
'Mama Abiol was a figure who genuinely served to touch our souls in the most profound ways. She accepted every individual for who they were NOT what they are.
'She offered us light in the moments of uncertainty. What a Heart, What a Mother, What Humanist she was. With that said, we all owe to pay her homage.'
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