By Simone Fox Koob

Copyright theage

“The word ‘senseless’ has been used so many times already in relation to the deaths of Dau Akueng and Chol Achiek, because the reality is that it doesn’t make sense. Two children walking home after playing sport, who should have had decades of their lives ahead of them,” he said.

“Instead, their devastated families are grieving their loss and all the things they will never get to see two children grow up to achieve and experience.”

O’Brien said the complex investigation was led by the homicide squad and detectives have worked for two weeks to identify those involved.

“Of the seven people arrested today, the oldest is just 19 while the youngest is 15. Again, there is no other word for this than senseless.”

“Any incident that is so significantly violent that it results in the loss of a life is a concern for police. The impacts of these deaths, in particular Dau and Chol’s, are felt right through our communities – from the families who have lost their loved one, through to the loss of safety that many people feel as a result, even when they don’t know those involved.