Delivery rider stabbed in Melbourne named as Jianming Feng, 47, as premier vows “whatever changes are necessary”

The food delivery rider stabbed to death in Melbourne’s CBD on Friday night has been named as Jianming Feng, a 47-year-old father of two.

Mr Feng, a Chinese national, was out on a delivery when he was attacked.

On Sunday, Victorian Premier Ben Carroll promised to make “whatever changes are necessary” after the killing, and said community safety was his top priority. A 51-year-old man arrested on Saturday remains in custody, and as of 1pm AWST (4pm AEDT) on Sunday police had not announced whether he will be charged.

What happened on Frederick Way?

Victoria Police said two men, both delivery riders, saw a man tampering with their bikes on Frederick Way, a laneway near Queen Victoria Market, on Friday evening.

Police said the riders confronted the man and a fight broke out at about 8.10pm AEDT (5.10pm AWST). Police said the man was not believed to be known to the riders.

Emergency services found Mr Feng with stab wounds. CPR was performed, but he died at the scene at about 8.20pm AEDT. A short time later a second rider, 34, was found nearby with a stab wound and taken to hospital with injuries police said were not life-threatening.

What has the premier promised?

Mr Carroll said on Sunday that he would work with the Transport Workers Union and other representatives of gig workers on their safety, and with the Chief Commissioner of Victoria Police to make sure people are safe wherever they work, shop or live.

He said gig economy workers, including delivery riders, are among the most vulnerable Victorians and “do need proper protections in place and workplace safety”. He has not yet set out specific measures.

Who came to the vigil?

Hundreds of people gathered on the lawns of the State Library, near where Mr Feng died, on Saturday afternoon. Flowers and candles were left nearby. Mourners raised fears about crime in the city centre and about the safety of delivery riders at work.

What do we know about the arrest?

Homicide Squad detectives arrested a 51-year-old man in Footscray, in Melbourne’s inner west, on Saturday morning and interviewed him. Police said they were not looking for anyone else.

Being arrested is not the same as being charged. Police can charge a person after an interview, release them while inquiries continue, or release them without charge. VNN is not naming the man.

Why does this matter beyond Melbourne?

Delivery riders work alone, often at night, and leave their bikes in the street while they pick up and drop off orders, usually as contractors without the protections employees have. Mr Carroll’s promise puts their safety on the political agenda in Victoria, and his talks with the union will be watched by riders in every capital city.

What are police asking for?

Victoria Police asked anyone with information about the stabbing on Frederick Way on Friday evening to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or at crimestoppersvic.com.au, where reports can be made anonymously.

VNN will update this story as more is confirmed.