Fears of a bloody new gang war on the streets of Melbourne have reached a boiling point following the public execution of a young rapper.
Pal Bidong, who goes by the name ‘Peezy’, was shot in the head at close range in front of witnesses on Saturday night after attending a Halloween party.
But now his murder has sparked speculation that the dead rapper’s associates will seek revenge on those they believe had something to do with their partner’s death.
Bidong’s body was found by members of the public on the footpath of Langford Street in Melbourne’s north about 3.15am on Saturday.
The discovery immediately sparked a furious reaction, with A violent fight broke out on the street in the middle of the night.
The incident has caused tension beyond the streets, with South Sudanese community leaders also taking aim at each other in the wake of the tragedy.
Rising star lawyer and former president of the South Sudanese Community Association of Victoria, Kot Monoah, took to social media on Sunday to warn community members of imminent retaliation.
“We have been credibly and reliably informed that there is a possibility of a revenge attack overnight or in the coming days,” he wrote.
Pal Bidong, who goes by the name ‘Peezy’, was shot dead in Melbourne’s north in the early hours of Saturday morning.
A violent fight broke out after the fatal shooting in Melbourne’s north.
‘Leaders in the eastern suburbs have informed us to spread this message.
‘Please tell the young people to stay home overnight and not move. Close your doors and call triple 000 for security.
“If your children’s homes are marked and known, please find alternative accommodation.”
The respected community leader has linked the bloody murder to an “east versus west” gang feud.
Bidong had no known ties to any gang, and those who knew him said he was simply in the wrong place at the wrong time.
But the late rapper’s social media posts show he often posed alongside masked men making hand gestures traditionally associated with gang activity.
Daily Mail Australia can also reveal Bidong had several court matters pending for hearing later this month.
They include allegations of jumping bail, affray and contravening a community corrections order.
Scenes captured by television cameras after Bidong’s death showed wild scenes on the streets as dozens of locals took to the streets.
A 7News camera operator was also allegedly assaulted when the young crowd turned on the television news crew.
The tributes have been pouring in for the aspiring rapper.
Bidong was found with at least one gunshot wound
But Pal Deng Pur, leader of the Nuer community in Victoria, has now responded to claims that a bloody war was imminent.
“We must come together in compassion and solidarity,” he said in response to Monoah’s warning of an impending gang war.
‘Unfortunately, in the wake of such a loss, we have seen false accusations and rumors suggesting revenge or retaliation from yourself, rather than calling for calm as a leader of the South Sudanese community as a whole.
‘We have leadership in Victoria who can oversee our affairs and they should be the right people to send that statement.
‘We want to make it clear that these accusations are unfounded and only serve to deepen the pain of those who are grieving.
“Rather than allowing fear and division to take hold, let’s focus on offering our support and love to the family in their time of need.”
On Monday, a Victoria Police spokesperson said the gunman remained at large and the investigation was ongoing.
Victoria Police Crime Command Acting Inspector Alan Rumble described the shooting as a “horrific incident”.
“It’s something none of us want to experience, neither the police nor the local community,” Rumble said.
‘Our real goal here today is… to ensure the victim’s family is supported at this horrific time, to ensure criminals are held to account and to give the local community confidence that Victoria Police takes this seriously and that we are here to support them.
“We are here to appeal for witnesses, we know there were a lot of people in the area at the time (and) we urge those witnesses to contact police.”
Tributes continue to flow for Bidong, who was considered an up-and-coming rap star on the Melbourne scene.
—I found out that he lost his life last night. “I can’t believe it,” one person said.
“I love you my brother… One of a kind,” wrote another.
‘Shocking. LLP (Long Live Peezy),’ one post read.
