Natalina Angok’s family needs help getting her body from Australia to South Sudan

Ms Angok, 33, was killed on Wednesday morning and left in an alleyway in Melbourne’s Chinatown for a passer-by to discover about 6.30am.

Her partner, Christopher Bell, 32, has been charged with one count of murder but police have still not said how she died.

Ms Angok migrated to Australia for a better life and was much loved by friends and family in Melbourne. A vigil was held for her on the steps of Parliament House last night where mourners sat in silent reflection.

As the city comes to grips with yet another woman killed at the hands of a man, the victim’s family has asked for help.

They have started a fundraising page online requesting donations to raise $40,000 required to transport her body home.

“Natalina Angok was our sister, our daughter, our cousin, our friend. She was a shining light and her life was taken away from her at just 33,” the page reads.

“Natalina was a generous and kind girl, her selfless, friendly, loving and humble character has always drawn people to her. She would always seek the happiness of others.

“Our sister’s body was found in Chinatown on Wednesday morning. Help us to pay for a memorial for Natalina, and so we can fly her remains back to South Sudan for final tribute by her father and relatives who have not seen her in years. We still can’t believe we won’t see her again.”

South Sudanese lawyer Maker Mayek, who lives in Melbourne, said he hoped the community would give whatever they could in support.

“Dear friends, we’ve been asking too much from you of late,” Mr Mayek wrote on Twitter.

“But the family of Natalina Angok wish to transport the body to South Sudan, to rest with her ancestors. Please chip in your own way. It’ll help.”

Ms Angok’s family is in shock after her killing.

“We are heartbroken,” her relatives said in a statement issued by police. “Our family is finding the strength to come to terms with this tragedy and the loss of Natalina Angok.”

Her sister Helena said Ms Angok “didn’t deserve to die in such a way, being killed by someone”.

Ms Angok’s body was found near Little Bourke Street just after 6.30am on Wednesday and Bell was arrested later the same day. A court was told on Thursday that he had been released from a mental inpatient facility a week before and required treatment for schizophrenia.

You can donate to Ms Angok’s transportation and memorial fund here.^[1]

If you or someone you know is affected by family violence, call 1800 RESPECT on 1800 737 732 or visit www.1800RESPECT.org.au In an emergency, call triple-0

References

1. ^{^} You can donate to Ms Angok’s transportation and memorial fund here. (www.gofundme.com)