Fears of a new bloody gang war on the streets of Melbourne have reached boiling point following the public execution of a young rapper.
Pal Bidong, who goes by the rap name ‘Peezy’, was shot in the head at point blank range in front of witnesses on Saturday night after he attended a a Halloween rave.
But now his murder has sparked speculation the dead rapper’s associates will seek revenge on those they believe had anything to do with their mate’s death.
Bidong’s body was found by members of the public on the footpath of Langford Street, in North Melbourne, about 3.15am on Saturday.
The discovery immediately sparked a furious reaction, with a violent brawl breaking 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 fallout from the tragedy.
Rising star lawyer and former chairman of the South Sudanese Community Association of Victoria, Kot Monoah, took to social media on Sunday to warn community members of impending reprisals.
‘We have been credibly and reliably informed that there is a potential for a revenge attack overnight or in the next few days,’ he wrote.
Pal Bidong, who goes by the rap name ‘Peezy’, was shot dead in North Melbourne in the early hours of Saturday morning
A violent brawl erupted after the fatal shooting in North Melbourne
‘We have been informed by leaders in the eastern suburbs to spread this message.
‘Please tell young people to be home overnight and not be moving. Lock your doors and call triple 000 for safety.
‘If your children’s houses are marked and known, please seek alternative accommodation.’
The respected community leader has tied the bloody murder to an ‘east versus west’ gang beef.
Bidong had no known links to any gangs, and those who knew him said he was simply in the wrong place at the wrong time.
But social media posts by the deceased rapper show he often posed alongside masked men making hand gestures traditionally associated with gang activity.
Daily Mail Australia can also reveal Bidong had several upcoming court matters listed for hearing later this month.
They include allegations of failing to answer bail, affray, and contravening a community corrections order.
Scenes captured by television cameras after Bidong’s death showed wild scenes on the streets when scores of locals took to the streets.
A 7News camera operator was also allegedly assaulted when the young crowd turned on the TV news crew.
Tributes have flowed for the aspiring rapper
Mr Bidong was found with at least one gunshot wound
But Pal Deng Pur, leader of the Nuer Community in Victoria, has now hit back at claims a bloody war was imminent.
‘We must come together in compassion and solidarity,’ he said in response to Mr Monoah’s warning of a looming gang war.
‘Unfortunately, in the wake of such loss, we have seen false allegations and rumours suggesting revenge or retaliation by yourself instead calling for calm as a leader for south Sudanese community as a whole.
‘We have a leadership in place in Victoria which can oversee our affairs and they should be the right people to send out that statement.
‘We want to make it clear that these allegations are unfounded and only serve to deepen the pain for those who are grieving.
‘Instead of allowing fear and division to take root, let us 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 Detective Acting Inspector Alan Rumble described the shooting as a ‘horrific incident’.
‘It’s something that none of us want to experience, police or the local community,’ Mr Rumble said.
‘Our real goal here today is to … ensure that the family of the victim are supported at this horrible time, ensure the offenders are brought to account and give the local community assurance that Victoria Police take this seriously and we are here to support them.
‘We are here to appeal for witnesses, we know that there were a lot of people in the area at the time (and) we urge those witnesses to reach out and contact police.’
Tributes continue to flow for Bidong, who was regarded as an up-and-coming rap star on the Melbourne scene.
‘I found out he lost his life late last night. Cannot believe it,’ one person said.
‘Love you my brother… One of a kind,’ another wrote.
‘Shocking. LLP (Long Live Peezy)’ one post read.
