Man who allegedly stabbed to death another fronts court

An interesting new development has unfolded in a court hearing evidence over the fatal stabbing of a “beautiful soul” in Melbourne.

Mayiik Ring died after he was stabbed during an ‘altercation’ in Melbourne's northwest. Picture: Facebook.

A child witness in the case of a murder accused had to be excused after the minor told the court he didn’t want to tell the truth.

Malwal Aweng, 23, is charged with murdering Mayiik Ring about 10.50pm on December 30, 2022 in Melbourne’s northwest suburb of St Albans.

Police are alleging Mr Ring, 32, was set upon by a group of males and stabbed following an altercation.

He was found a short time later near St Albans Rd and was rushed to hospital where he later died.

Mr Aweng appeared via video link for a two-day committal hearing in the Melbourne Magistrates Court on Thursday.

After the child witness swore an affirmation, Magistrate Kieran Gilligan asked if he would tell the truth as earlier promised.

A child witness was excused after he told the Melbourne Magistrates Court during committal hearing that he didn’t want to tell the truth.

The witness replied he wouldn’t make any promises to tell the truth. When asked why, he responded, “Because I don’t want to tell the truth.”

Prosecutor Angela Moran said given the case was at a committal stage, the witness could be excused.

Mr Gilligan agreed, saying the court was not in a position to hear evidence but that the witness would be required to appear at trial if the matter got to that stage.

He said the witness may need to seek legal advice.

The next witness was Kuol Wol who appeared in person in court with the help of a Dinka language interpreter.

That language is spoken in South Sudan.

Mr Wol was homeless and slept at a park in St Albans where Mr Ring was stabbed and said he witnessed the incident.

He got Mr Ring to sit up against a wall after the incident, Mr Wol told the court.

“He was a good man,” he said.

Mr Wol gave three statements to Melton police about what had witnessed during the stabbing. He had been homeless for a year preceding Mr Ring’s death.

The committal hearing continues today.

Mr Aweng was arrested in Mernda three days after the stabbing and charged with murder, intentionally causing injury, and bail offences. Police intend to use CCTV and forensic material as evidence in the case.