Dau Akueng, 15, and Chol Achiek, 12, were allegedly attacked by a group of people wielding knives and machetes shortly before 8pm on Saturday, September 6 in Cobblebank.

The pair were found critically injured about 200 metres apart, with Chol on Marble Drive and Dau on Cobble Street.

They both died at the scene.

Police on Friday charged a 19-year-old Thornhill man, two 16-year-old boys and a 15-year-old boy with the murder of Dau.

A 19-year-old Caroline Springs man, an 18-year-old Wollert man and a 16-year-old boy were charged with the murder of Chol.

An eighth person, a 15-year-old boy, has today been charged with Dau’s murder.

The charged teenager is in custody on unrelated matters, police said.

He will appear at a children’s court at another date.

Community leader Richard Deng issued a statement last week thanking police hours after the arrests were made.

“Today’s arrests are great news and a relief not only to the South Sudanese community but also to the wider community,” Deng said.

“The arrests will renew hope and trust in Victoria Police and the government.”

The community was left reeling in the wake of the boys’ deaths and tributes remain at the spots where both of the boys died.

Police have also increased patrols in the Cobblebank area following the alleged murders.