Ten men face court over deadly Brisbane brawl that left South Sudanese community in shock

Ten men charged with murder over a violent brawl in Brisbane that left teenager Girum Mekonnen dead have been mentioned in a Queensland court.

A man is seen being driven into the Brisbane Watchhouse by police.

Police have arrested a number of men in connection to the murder of 19-year-old Girum Mekonnen. Source: AAP

Ten men charged with murder over a Brisbane brawl that left one teenager dead and others critically injured have been mentioned in a Brisbane court.

Girum Mekonnen, 19, died after a fight between two groups of about 20 African youths at playing fields in Zillmere on Sunday afternoon.

Majok Riel Majok, Kresta Wal Wal, Anas Ayman Abdu Musa, Gabreal Wal Wal, Santo Wal, Juma Makuol Deng Makuol, Alex Edward Deng, Yohana Wal Wal, Joseph Lokolong and Chan Kon were all mentioned in Brisbane Magistrates Court on Thursday.

Charges for the 10, aged between 18 and 32, include murder, grievous bodily harm, affray and disobedience to lawful order.

Only Lokolong appeared briefly by video link and had no reaction to the charges.

Outside the court Lokolong's lawyer Bruce Peters told reporters police had done a good job in bringing "this gang violence to a quick and succinct end".
South Sudanese community leader Beny Aterdit Bol said his community is not unique in struggling to engage young people.
South Sudanese community leader Beny Aterdit Bol said his community is not unique in struggling to engage young people. Source: SBS News: Stefan Armbruster
Beny Aterdit Bol, president of the Queensland African Communities Council,  the South Sudanese community was left distraught by the “unexpected, very tragic incident".

“The community is so shocked, it's very upset,” Mr Bol said.

“A young person lost his life, a young person who had a bright future.”

Detective Superintendent Tony Fleming on Wednesday said it will be alleged those involved went to Zillmere with the intent to assault the victims.

"This was an event that was highly confrontational and has been traumatic for the victims of the crime and their families," he said.

"It's just unacceptable to have people in a public space who are going about their business then attacked this way."
Police are concerned there will be more attacks following the death of a man after a fight between two groups in Brisbane.
Police are concerned there will be more attacks following the death of a man after a fight between two groups in Brisbane. Source: AAP
Paramedics took 11 people to hospital suffering stab wounds and blunt force injuries after one group attacked another with knives and baseball bats.

Some of the victims were knifed in their torso, pelvis, head and face.

Three people remain in hospital with one in a serious condition.
Police believe three carloads of people arrived at the Zillmere park seeking retribution for another incident in Brisbane's west on 8 September.

"It's a horrific, unacceptable attack in our society," Det Supt Fleming said.

"But retribution is not going to solve the problem."

The 10 men were remanded in custody to return to court on 16 November for mention.


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3 min read
Published 17 September 2020 10:02am
Updated 17 September 2020 10:35am
Source: AAP, SBS


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