Detectives from the Homicide Squad are seeking the assistance of two male passengers who are believed to have witnessed the start of the alleged assault that fatally wounded Natan Mwanza in Wyndham Vale last week.
Police allege the 24-year-old Werribee man was assaulted by two males as he travelled on the 192 bus, before alighting at a bus stop near Haines Drive where he was fatally wounded on Wednesday, 19 February.
He had been travelling on the 192 bus on the Wyndham Vale route between Wyndham Vale and Werribee Railway Station shortly before 8pm.
The first male witness got on the bus along with Natan at Wyndham Vale Railway Station at 7.47pm, before exiting the bus at 8.00pm at Olive Way and Black Forest Road in Wyndham Vale.
He is described as of Indian/Sub-Continental or Middle Eastern appearance, believed to be aged in his 20s, and of medium height with a slim build and short hair.
He was wearing a dark blue jacket, black pants, black shoes and carrying a dark backpack with light shoulder straps.
The second passenger also got on the bus along with Natan at Wyndham Vale Railway Station at 7.47pm, exiting the bus at 7.56pm at Manuka Grove and Haines Drive in Wyndham Vale.
He is described as of Indian/Sub-Continental or Middle Eastern appearance, aged in his 20s-30s, and of medium height, with a slim build and short hair.
He was wearing a black jacket, navy blue pants and carrying a blue backpack and with wireless headphones, engaged in a video call while he was travelling on the bus.
Investigators believe one of the passengers may have already been in contact with Crimestoppers via the online portal on 20 February but did not leave any details.
Police are appealing for both passengers to come forward and make contact with them either via their local police station or Crime Stoppers, leaving contact details to allow Homicide Squad investigators to speak directly with them.
On 21 February, a 17-year-old boy from the Wyndham area and a 22-year-old Ascot Vale man were both charged with murder.
Anyone with information on the two witnesses or information is urged to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or submit a confidential report online at www.crimestoppersvic.com.au
Quotes attributable to Detective Inspector Dean Thomas, Homicide Squad:
"We are very keen to speak to these two males who we believe may have witnessed the beginning of the tragic events which culminated in an innocent young man's death.
"I'd like to stress that there is nothing whatsoever to indicate they were involved in the incident, they are potential witnesses only.
"Please, come forward and speak to police - contact your local police station or leave your contact details with Crime Stoppers so we can make contact with you."
