Police say witnesses may hold clues to fatal attack on Nathan Mwanza

Police have urged two men who witnessed a deadly knife attack on young model Nathan Mwanza at a Wyndham Vale bus stop to come forward, hoping they can help piece together what sparked the assault.

Mourners hold a candlelight vigil for slain 23-year-old Nathan Mwanza after he was violently killed in Wyndham Vale. Picture: Jake Nowakowski

Two men who watched a deadly knife attack on a young model unfold at a Wyndham Vale bus stop could help piece together what sparked the fatal assault.

Twenty-three-year-old Nathan Mwanza was stabbed to death at Haines Drive on February 19.

After hundreds of mourners gathered to demand justice for the Werribee model on Thursday night, homicide detectives uncovered two key witnesses they say could shed light on what started the violent assault.

The first witness, a man aged in his 20s who appeared to be of Indian, Sub-Continental or Middle Eastern appearance, travelled on the same 192 bus as Nathan.

He boarded the bus at the same time as Mr Mwanza at Wyndham Vale Railway Station at 7.47pm before hopping off the bus at 8pm at the corner of Olive Way and Black Forest Rd in Wyndham Vale.

Nathan was remembered as ‘sweet’ and a ‘role model’ by his loved ones. Picture: Jake Nowakowski

He was wearing a dark blue jacket, black pants, black shoes and carrying a dark backpack with light shoulder straps.

A second passenger, who was on a video call with someone, also boarded the bus at the same time as Nathan before exiting the bus at 7.56pm near Manuka Grove and Haines Drive.

Police say that man is also of Indian, Sub-Continental or Middle Eastern appearance.

He is likely aged in his 20s or 30s and is of medium height with a slim build and short hair.

He was wearing a black jacket, navy blue pants and carrying a blue backpack and was using wireless headphones during the call as he rode the bus.

Detective Inspector Dean Thomas said the men were not involved in Nathan’s alleged murder in any way, but their recollections were central to the investigation into his death.

“We are very keen to speak to these two males who we believe may have witnessed the beginning of the tragic events which culminated in an innocent young man’s death,” Mr Thomas said.

“Please, come forward and speak to police.

“Contact your local police station or leave your contact details with Crime Stoppers so we can make contact with you.”

A 17-year-old boy and a 22-year-old man have been charged with Nathan’s murder.

The nature strip where Nathan was found dead is flooded with tributes. Picture: Jake Nowakowski

Mourners light candles in remembrance of Nathan. Picture: Jake Nowakowski

Mourners gather for Nathan

Hundreds of mourners on Thursday gathered to demand justice for Nathan.

His friends and family cried, sang and prayed as they joined together at Haines Drive, where their “sweet”, “funny” boy was allegedly kicked, punched and stabbed by two offenders while laying defenceless on the grass.

The heartless attack, which began with a fight on the bus before spilling out on to the nature strip, was caught on CCTV footage.

On Thursday night, the bus stop where Nathan’s alleged killers left his dead body was flooded with people carrying candles and photos of the slain 23-year-old.

Family members wailed as floral tributes piled up on the nature strip.

Nathan Mwanza was allegedly stabbed to death during a violent rampage at a Wyndham Vale bus stop. Picture: Instagram

Nathan Mwanza was a successful model. Picture: Instagram

Two people have been charged with Nathan’s murder. Picture: Instagram

A broken Samuel Mwanza, Nathan’s father, told the crowd that they had come together in “friendship” to demand “justice” for his fallen son.

“If they want blood they must go in the forest and hunt animals, not human beings,” Mr Mwanza said.

“Today it’s Nathan, tomorrow it’s somebody else.

“They say they’re just children — a child does not hold a knife.

“For this to stop we need justice.”

Mourners dressed in black gather at the bus stop where Nathan was killed. Picture: Jake Nowakowski

Family members and loved ones demand ‘justice’ after the heartless killing. Picture: Jake Nowakowski

Nathan was killed at about 8pm after getting off the bus. Picture: Jake Nowakowski

Nathan’s younger brother spoke of the “kind soul” who loved to make others laugh.

“My big brother was very sweet, funny, the comedian of the family,” he said.

“He was my role model.

“Not only do I want or need justice for my big brother, I demand it.”

Mourners called Nathan a ‘kind soul’ and the ‘comedian’ of the family. Picture: Jake Nowakowski

Mourners are brought to the ground in grief. Picture: Jake Nowakowski

Nathan’s family linked arms as they walked to their home, just minutes from where their son was killed.

Police joined mourners at the memorial to ensure no disruptions.

Before his death, Nathan had successfully broken into the modelling industry and appeared in advertisements for brands including Nike, Realism, Champion and Hype DC.

Originally published as Police say witnesses may hold clues to fatal attack on Nathan Mwanza