A young model who was fatally stabbed at a Melbourne bus stop on Thursday night is being remembered as a “gentle giant” who had a “bright future ahead of him”.
As reported by ABC News, 24-year-old Natan Mwanza was riding on a bus in Wyndham Vale when two men boarded and sat in front of him.
It’s understood an argument soon followed and Mwanza was attacked by the pair when he got off the bus.
He worked as a model for Sydney-based agency Priscillas. (Source: Instagram)
An eyewitness — who did not want to be identified — said she saw one man lying on the ground while two others were kicking him.
“I thought they were just playing … but then when I looked properly, I just saw a knife,” she told the publication.
The incident is believed to have taken place at around 8pm on Thursday. Emergency services were called to the bus stop, however Mwanza died at the scene.
He was from Werribee and worked as a model, with his Instagram featuring campaigns with Hype, Nike, and Champion, among others.
His agency, Priscillas, paid tribute to him, telling ABC News: “We are devastated to hear about the loss of Natan, who was an incredibly kind and gentle person.
“We send our condolences to Natan’s family.”
The 24-year-old moved to Australia a decade ago from the Democratic Republic of the Congo with his family, as reported by 9News.
Mwanza’s family have described him as a “gentle giant” who “would never, ever hurt a fly”.
“He doesn’t like problems. He doesn’t have any issues with anyone,” his sister Naomi Mwanza said.
His father Samuel Mwanza also pleaded for answers, lamenting: “Why they kill my son? For nothing.”
Investigations into the fatal attack are underway. (Source: Instagram)
Numerous tributes have flooded the model’s social media, with one user noting Mwanza “had a bright future” ahead of him.
“This cannot be real,” another person stated.
“Thanks for all the memories, I love you. Rest in peace,” another well-wisher commented, adding they hoped he was “watching us from heaven”.
Police described the attackers as two men of Asian appearance in their late teens or early 20s.
Detective Inspector Dean Thomas, head of the homicide squad, remarked Mwanza was “minding his own business” when the confrontation unfolded.
“These two have boarded the bus and sat down just in front and engaged in conversation. What that conversation was, we don’t know,” he said, per the Age.
Anyone with information is urged to contact CrimeStoppers on 1800 333 000.
Lead image: Instagram
The post 24 Y.O. Model Natan Mwanza Fatally Stabbed At Melbourne Bus Stop: ‘Deserved Better’ appeared first on PEDESTRIAN.TV .
