Sudanese in Australia during the Otuho cultural day on 30/1/2010.[©Otuho community of Australia]
By Gurtong Correspondent
PERTH, Australia, 23 April 2010 - The incident occurred on the Wednesday night at around 09:45pm Western Australian time.
The victim, Emmanuel Majur Manyang, came to Australia nearly three years ago through Egypt and had only spent about three months in Perth upon arrival before moving to Sydney where he spent most of his time in with his relatives. He only recently returned, less than a month ago, to be with his parents in Perth and unfortunately his young life callously ended in the tragic circumstances.
Preliminary investigations indicate that the 21-year-old victim was walking home in the company of five other Sudanese friends when they were suddenly attacked by men in two cars, who obviously outnumbered them. In the ensuing fight for survival, Emanuel Majur Manyang lost his life on spot while Butros Tutu from Nuba Mountains is fighting for his dear life in an intensive care unit in the hospital. Another South Sudanese sustained a minor injury.
The attackers are suspected be Middle Easterners, a suspected possible combination of Lebanese and Iraqis. A major crime investigation unit of the Western Australian Police has been camping at the scene since their arrival few minutes after the incident and there are indications they have already apprehended five suspects.
However, the official truth about what really transpired at the scene on the fateful night is yet to fully emerge. The family and everyone close to them are devastated by the unexpected tragedy.
The police have urged the community to be calm as they investigate the horrific crime which has already been flashed throughout most of Australian media outlets.
It continues to generate more local media interest as the community leadership and the family are formulating strategies to mourn the sudden lose of a young member who had a lot of potential and a future responsibility to his family and the Sudanese Australian society at large.
The victim was originally from Yirol County in Lakes State, South Sudan.