Alleged KBS member Deng Machok sentenced for stabbing man twice ‘unprovoked’ off Hindley St

An alleged gang member involved in an “unprovoked” stabbing will be eligible for parole next year – despite his victim left fighting for life in a CBD street.

An alleged gang member who stabbed a man twice in an alleyway off Hindley St will be eligible for parole next year – despite previous violent behaviour.

On Thursday, alleged Killa Block Squad member Deng Atem Machok, 21, was sentenced for the Operation Meld stabbing in January 2022 by Justice Julie McIntyre.

During sentencing, Justice McIntyre said that Machok had offered “no explanation for his dreadful behaviour” and described the stabbing as “reckless” and “unprovoked”.

Justice McIntyre revealed that at the time of the stabbing, Machok was set to be sentenced for another violent incident on January 22, 2021 that showed a “disturbing degree of aggression”.

“Your victim came to the aid of two distressed women who were running away from you and your co-accused,” Justice McIntyre said.

The victim, a 22 year old man from Lightview, attended court alongside his mother – but did not provide a victim impact statement. Picture: Roy Van Der Vegt

“He told you to stop and you attacked him with kicks and punches to his body, he fell to the ground and you continued to assault him.

“It is concerning that you were aware that you were facing sentence for that assault, and nonetheless continued to drink and use drugs leading, it seems, to the current offending.”

During earlier hearings, the court was told Machok, of Kilburn, was among a group of men – which prosecutors had alleged were members of the Killa Block Squad gang – who targeted another unarmed man whose brother was alleged to be a member of rival gang 051.

Deng Atem Machok was spotted on CCTV before and after the stabbing. Photo: Courts SA

The two groups of men clashed on Clubhouse Lane, just off Hindley St, about 12.50am on January 30, 2022.

The victim was found nearby on Blyth St suffering life threatening injuries and rushed to the Royal Adelaide Hospital.

CCTV released by the court shows Machok making his way towards the victim surrounded by a big group of males, and stabbing him twice to the chest with a knife – damaging his heart which required open heart surgery.

CCTV footage shows Machok, in the red and white jacket, approaching the victim. Photo: Courts SA

Machok was previously charged with attempted murder over the incident but after negotiations pleaded guilty to the lesser charge of aggravated recklessly causing serious harm.

The court heard that since his arrest on February 10, 2023, Machok had “reflected” on his prior drug use and participated in the SMART recovery program and was “keen to rehabilitate”.

Justice McIntyre said that the “continued support of your family” was a “protective factor” against reoffending, and Machok had a pending job offer in concreting in the community.

Justice McIntyre considered Machok’s diagnosed mental impairment, and found good reason he should receive a shortened non parole period.

Machok was sentenced to five years, nine months with a three year non parole period dated back to his initial arrest – meaning he is eligible for parole in February next year.

As he was remanded in custody to continue his sentence, Machok gave supporters in the body of the court a shaka sign.