Delivery Driver Fatally Stabbed During Altercation in Melbourne

A food delivery driver died and another sustained injuries during a late-night knife attack in Melbourne on Friday after confronting a man tampering with their bicycles.

Feng Jianming, a 47-year-old father of two, died at the scene on Frederick Way despite the efforts of paramedics.

A 34-year-old colleague was taken to hospital with serious injuries following the altercation.

Police arrested a 51-year-old Footscray man on Saturday, and he was later charged with one count of murder and intentionally causing serious injury.

The killing of the HungryPanda worker has drawn attention to the safety of gig economy workers operating in urban centers late at night.

Victorian Premier Ben Carroll said that gig workers need proper protections.

"We do know that often people in the gig economy, particularly that are doing the transit deliveries, are some of the most vulnerable Victorians, and they do need proper protections in place and workplace safety," said Ben Carroll, the Victorian premier.

Feng moved to Australia from China around 2017 to support his family, who remain overseas.

Hundreds of mourners gathered for a vigil near the State Library of Victoria over the weekend to leave floral tributes and express concerns about urban safety.

"We were expecting a safer community," said Xi Ip, an international student who attended the gathering.

A GoFundMe campaign established by the Melbourne Chinatown Business Association raised hundreds of thousands of dollars to assist Feng's family with travel expenses and funeral costs.

HungryPanda stated that it is in contact with the victim's family to provide financial support and help arrange visas for travel to Australia.

The Chinese consulate in Melbourne held discussions with state officials to request that authorities handle the case fairly and safeguard the rights of Chinese citizens.

The accused man was remanded in custody to appear before a Melbourne court.