Aaron Bunch Journalist with Australian Associated Press | Collection of published work | + 61 484 008 119 | abunch@aap.com.au

Aaron Bunch
Deadly Qld brawl murder accused face court

The mother of a former refugee who was stabbed and bashed in a Brisbane brawl says her family fled to Australia to escape violence not fall victim to it.

November 16, 2020

The mother of a former refugee wounded during a deadly Brisbane brawl says her family fled South Sudan to escape violence not fall victim to it.

Viola Lado’s son Ronal Erasto, 23, was stabbed, sliced before being smashed with a hammer when a gang of African youths allegedly attacked him and his mates at a park in Zillmere on September 13.

His friend Girum Mekonnen, 19, died on the grass as paramedics fought to save his life, with 13 men later charged over his alleged murder.

Ms Lado said she didn’t know why her son and friends were attacked.

“The boys were just sitting there playing cards and barbecuing. It’s no good,” Ms Lado, 43, told AAP outside Brisbane Magistrates Court on Monday.

“I brought my kids here for a better life. We didn’t bring them here for this,” said the former South Sudanese refugee who arrived in Australia 15 years ago.

Paramedics took 11 people to hospital suffering stab wounds and blunt force injuries from knives, baseball bats and other weapons after the attack.

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

Police have previously said a melee broke out after three carloads of youths arrived at the playing fields seeking retribution for another incident on September 8.

Anas Ayman Abdu Musa, Yohana Wal Wal, Santo Wal Wal, Malat Akoi Makuach and Juma Makuol Deng Makuol were among the men, aged between 18 and 32, accused of murder, grievous bodily harm and affray following the attack.

Their cases were briefly mentioned in court on Monday when the additional charge of intent to commit grievous bodily harm by throwing a projectile was added.

Wal Wal, Musa and Wal Wal were granted bail on strict conditions, including wearing electronic tracking bracelets. The other men were remanded in custody.

All the matters were adjourned for committal mentions in the same court on March 15.

Comments are closed.

Latest Stories
archive
date published
March 2024
M T W T F S S
« Feb    
 123
45678910
11121314151617
18192021222324
25262728293031