BDK, 97, Brotherhood: Police aware of 'ongoing gang issue' in western suburbs
Police say there is an "ongoing gang issue" in Melbourne's western suburbs and a "wicked and complex" youth crime problem as they investigate the fatal stabbing of 15-year-old Solomone Taufeulungaki.
Solomone was killed as he walked home from school outside Brimbank Shopping Centre in Deer Park on Tuesday afternoon. He told his 14-year-old cousin Aki Faiva to run for her life, as they were allegedly approached by a group of boys before the deadly attack.
Police are investigating whether there is a link between the attack and the western suburbs' Brotherhood gang.
As The Age reported on the weekend, the former Apex and Menace To Society gangs are now largely inactive.
In 2020, it is street gangs such as BDK and their offshoots that are causing trouble. They include 97, the Tarneit-based SSO (Squad Shit Only) and BBG (Black Belly Gang), and the Werribee-based Brotherhood.
North West Metro Commander Tim Hansen said police have no intelligence to suggest fights are planned in the coming days. But he said police were acutely aware of the "ongoing gang issue" and had turned their minds to the likelihood of retribution or reprisal attacks.
A police officer at the gates of Victoria University Secondary College in St Albans, where Solomone was a student, on Wednesday morning.Credit:Eddie Jim
Police have increased patrols and if necessary will enact Operation Omni, normally reserved for large events such as White Night, which gives officers special stop-and-search powers within a designated area. This was enacted on Wednesday night but no violence eventuated.
"We acknowledge we have street gangs operating across the west and south-east but have really strong policing responses and plans in process," Mr Hansen said.
"If these kids or these street gangs want to come back into other western suburbs of Melbourne and get involved in a fight, we will be there ready, waiting for them."
Through their intelligence sources, police are able to prevent planned fights several times a week, he said.
Police on horseback pass the crime scene on Wednesday afternoon.Credit:Eddie Jim
But Mr Hansen said he was particularly concerned about the sharp rise in knife crime, which has soared by about 40 per cent in the past five years.
"It's a real concern of mine as I look out across Melbourne … I see the risk this is presenting," he said.
"It’s time for us to collectively say 'enough is enough'. These attacks are killing our young people, killing our teenagers."
On Wednesday, Solomone's parents were overcome with grief as they visited the site where their son was killed, but vowed to forgive his attackers.
Mr Hansen said he wanted the public to think about that image and what the boy's parents had said.
"I want that image to resonate with all of us as we think through how we are going to resolve what is a really wicked and complex problem for Victoria.
"[Solomone's parents] are not seeking an eye for an eye toward justice.
"What they want everyone to do is to mourn the loss of their son and learn from them. They don't want to see this happen again."
Friends and family pay tribute to Solomone Taufeulungaki, 15, in Deer Park on Wednesday.Credit:Luis Ascui
Six boys, aged 13 to 16, faced a Children's Court on Wednesday night charged with violent disorder and affray in connection with the incident.
Three were released on bail with strict conditions including a curfew.
The magistrate indicated a possibility that more people could be charged over Solomone's death.
No one has been charged with directly causing his death.
Solomone's father 'Atunaisa is overcome with grief at the scene, next to Solomone's mother Salome and aunt.Credit:Eddie Jim
With AAP