Police in Melbourne are investigating the fatal stabbings of two children, aged 15 and 12, in what may be a case of mistaken identity. The incidents occurred in the suburb of Cobblebank on Saturday night. Emergency services responded to reports of a serious injury on Marble Drive just before 8 p.m. They found a 12-year-old boy with critical injuries, but he died at the scene. Shortly after, officers discovered a 15-year-old boy, identified as Dau Akueng, seriously injured on Cobble Street. He also succumbed to his injuries at the scene.

Detective Inspector Graham Banks stated that police are looking for the same group of offenders in connection with both stabbings. CCTV footage shows the suspects wearing masks and armed with machetes and other long-edged weapons. Banks noted that the attacks exhibit characteristics of youth gang violence, but he emphasized that it is unlikely the victims were gang members. "There has been occasion where people have been targeted by mistaken identity," he said. "There is potential that the offenders know these people and they've been specifically targeted as well. But it's also clearly the possibility that there's been a mistaken identity and that this is what's occurred."

The victims had just exited a bus with a third friend when they were ambushed. Banks described the incident as particularly brutal, stating, "I've seen the majority of the murders that have occurred in the youth gang space, and clearly this is a really bad example of that type of violence."

Police are searching for eight men believed to be older than the victims. Banks mentioned that investigators are narrowing down potential suspects and have reviewed intelligence regarding local gangs. However, he did not specify which gang might be responsible for the attack.

Elbilo Akueng, the father of the deceased 15-year-old, expressed his grief and frustration. He rushed home from work after hearing about the stabbing from his daughter. Despite his repeated inquiries, he felt left in the dark by police until the early hours of Sunday. "This is a basketball player, he's not a criminal," he said. "I said to police, I said to detectives, I need answers for what killed my son."

Mr. Akueng highlighted the tragedy affecting the community, stating, "We've buried in these two weeks … four kids. Similar incidents happening, there's no answer from police." A family friend, Aboil Alor, described Dau as a bright child and expressed her sorrow over the loss. "Dau, he deserved a happy life," she said. Alor called for justice for the families affected by the violence.

Opposition Leader Brad Battin condemned the attack, labeling it "absolutely horrific." He criticized the government for its handling of crime, noting that multiple killings occurred across the city that same night. "How has it got to a position where a 12 and 15-year-old have allegedly been murdered on the streets in Victoria?" he asked.

State government minister Lily D'Ambrosio expressed her condolences to the victims' families, calling the crimes "truly despicable." She stated that the government has taken significant steps to address crime, including tougher bail laws. Victoria Police plan to provide further updates on the investigation. Anyone with information is encouraged to contact Crime Stoppers.