Calls grow for an immediate ban on machetes after a 24-year-old Clyde man has died after being stabbed at Marriott Waters shopping centre in Lyndhurst on Friday night (14 March).
Homicide Squad detectives say there were reports of a group of up to 10 males who cornered the victim in the car park about 8.30pm.
The man was taken to hospital with serious injuries where he later died.
All other parties had fled the scene, police say.
Police are said to be investigating an alleged link with a stolen white Hyundai Kona used in a Boronia supermarket robbery by a group of hooded, machete-wielding males hours earlier.
With “profound sadness”, the man’s family posted on Facebook that he was an “extraordinary individual whose kindness, generosity, and infectious sense of humour brought light and joy to the lives of many”.
“We will forever treasure the memories we created with him.”
The tragedy comes a day after the State Government proposed a ban on the sale of machetes from September, along with “tougher” bail laws for youths accused of serious crimes.
Premier Jacinta Allan said on 13 March that “machetes are destroying lives so we will destroy machetes”.
“The places we meet can’t become the places we fear, I am listening and I am acting, with Austraia’s toughest bail laws and Australia’s first machete ban.”
On 16 March, Opposition leader Brad Battin called for the machete ban to be introduced immediately.
“Delaying the implementation to prohibit machetes will only result in more home invasions, more carjackings and sadly, more murders.
“Victorians are tired of a ‘too little too late’ Premier who only acts when the state is at breaking point.”
Prior to the ban, the Government will consult with relevant industries on the definition of machetes being cutting-edge knives with a blade more than 20 cm.
An amnesty period would apply between 1 September and 30 November, where people will be able to safely dispose of their knives without committing a crime.
Safe bin locations will be provided, which are likely to include an outdoor area at select police stations.
Any information on the Lyndhurst incident to Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or crimestoppersvic.com.au
