Hundreds of heart-broken mourners marched through the streets to honor the memory of the teenager who was allegedly stabbed to death in a brutal gang attack.
The formal procession to commemorate Solomone Taufeulungaki began at Victoria University Secondary College in St Albans and concluded at Brimbank Shopping Centre in Deer Park, where he was killed.
Police kept a watchful eye on the emotional memorial on Friday after calls for vengeance flooded social media over the 15-year-old’s death.
But the stirring candlelight vigil led by members from the Tongan community remained peaceful and without incident.
Solomone Taufeulungaki was stabbed to death on Tuesday outside a busy shopping centre
Students from Victoria University Secondary College make their way to the memorial for Solomone Taufeulngaki outside Brimbank Shopping Centre
Victorian Police on horseback patrol the area where 15-year-old Solomone Taufeulngaki was fatally stabbed in Melbourne
A picture of Victim Solomone Taufeulngaki is seen at a makeshift shrine where he was fatally stabbed outside Brimbank Shopping Centre
Family of Solomone Taufeulngaki, including his mother Solome and father Atunaisa, stand by a makeshift shrine outside Brimbank Shopping Centre
Family of Solomone Taufeulngaki sing by a makeshift shrine outside Brimbank Shopping Centre
Students from Victoria University Secondary College are seen during a memorial for Solomone Taufeulngaki
Mourners are seen crying beside flowers placed at a makeshift shrine for Solomone Taufeulngaki
Students from Victoria University Secondary College are seen during a memorial for Solomone Taufeulngaki
When the march concluded, mourners stopped for a minute’s silence and then sang prayers alongside a church choir.
Pacific Island elders also performed a war dance and released balloons into the night sky.
The overwhelming message from those in attendance was for unity.
‘Here we stand together as a community,’ a Tongan community leader told the Herald Sun.
‘We are standing here today as one people to mourn our son, our brother.’
Victoria University Secondary College school captain Poasa Telepe performs the Haka during a memorial for Solomone Taufeulngaki
Pacific Island leaders performed a war dance and released balloons into the night sky
Police have charged six boys aged between 13 and 16 with affray and violent disorder in relation to the beloved teen’s death.
Investigators are probing whether Mr Taufeulungaki was set upon by a gang called ‘The Brotherhood’ – or ‘BH’.
A friend who was with Mr Taufeulungaki at the time of the alleged attack claims the group were carrying knives and baseball bats.
Both the victim and the alleged attackers reportedly went to Victoria University Secondary College.
‘From the time of the incident we turned our mind to the likelihood of retribution and reprisal attacks,’ Police Commander Tim Hansen said.
‘We are acutely aware of the risk these street gangs present to us, we see it.
‘We have a tailored person of interest program across Melbourne’s west and also across Melbourne’s southeast because we know there’s an interplay between these gangs.’
Solomone’s parents have called for calm and even said they forgive the young men who allegedly took his life.
Mourners are seen during a candlelight vigil for Solomone Taufeulngaki in Melbourne
Mourners are seen placing reeves for Solomone Taufeulngaki at his memorial service
Students from Victoria University Secondary College look on during a memorial for Solomone Taufeulngaki
Students from Victoria University Secondary College become emotional during a memorial for Solomone Taufeulngaki
Victorian Police officers are seen keeping a close eye on Solomone Taufeulngaki’s memorial service
‘We don’t want any justice,’ Solomone’s mum Salome Taufeulungaki said.
‘We want our son back home … we don’t need any justice’
The mother’s call came amid fears the stabbing death could trigger a gang war on the streets, with the victim’s friends vowing to retaliate.
‘No revenge,’ Mrs Taufeulungaki said. ‘We do (forgive them). It’s a blessing. Dying is a blessing for our family.’
Solomone’s father Atunaisa Taufeulungaki said perhaps his deceased father in heaven needed his son too.
‘Everyone dies. We all die in a different situation. But our father in heaven needs us to come back,’ he said.