The Chinese consulate in Melbourne has called on local authorities to “severely punish” the individual responsible for the fatal stabbing of a Chinese delivery rider on Friday evening. The incident has triggered significant online anger regarding the safety standards of delivery platforms.
Victoria state police reported that the 47-year-old victim, who was from China’s northwestern Shaanxi province, was killed while working in downtown Melbourne on Friday evening. A second rider was injured during the same incident. According to police, the two riders confronted a man who was “tampering” with their bikes, which led to an “altercation”.
A 51-year-old suspect was arrested on Saturday morning and is currently in custody. The second rider was transported to a hospital with stab wounds that were not life-threatening.
In a statement, the Chinese consulate declared it is taking the incident very seriously and has activated an emergency response mechanism. The consulate urged local authorities to “conduct a thorough investigation, handle the case lawfully and fairly, severely punish the perpetrator, and effectively safeguard the legitimate rights and interests of Chinese citizens”. The Chinese consul general is currently assisting the victim’s family with follow-up arrangements.
Richard Welch, a lawmaker for the North-Eastern Metropolitan Region, stated the community was “in shock at this terrible crime” in a social media video on Saturday, noting that the victim was “someone’s father, someone’s son, someone’s husband just trying to make a living and support his family.”
Online reports from the local Chinese community expressed grief, with customers and restaurant owners describing the victim as “patient and kind”. A combined protest and candlelight vigil is scheduled for Saturday evening in the city.
The death has brought renewed attention to gig worker safety and sparked backlash against HungryPanda, the platform where the riders were registered. Several riders have claimed online that the platform has previously charged them for stolen meals. A petition launched following the stabbing, which has gathered more than 4,000 signatures, asks authorities to investigate if HungryPanda penalizes riders for stolen orders and if company practices put workers at unnecessary risk. The petition states, “No delivery rider should have to risk their life to recover a stolen meal.”
