Police Reappeal One Year On From Matthew Kitandwe Murder

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The South Thames College student was stabbed to death

One year on from the murder of Matthew Kitandwe, police are continuing to appeal for witnesses.

Despite numerous arrests, no person has ever been charged with the crime.

Matthew Kitandwe, 18, was killed in Wandsworth on Tuesday 21st June 2016.

Police were called by the London Ambulance Service at just after 4.15pm to reports of a man stabbed outside a block of flats on Wayford Street.

Matthew, a student at South Thames College, was pronounced dead at the scene at about 5pm.

His mother was present and had to witness her son's final moments

A post-mortem examination gave the cause of death as stab injuries.

Investigating officers continue to appeal for any witnesses who were present in and around Wayford Street in the hours leading up to 4.10pm, when the fatal stabbing took place.

A reward of £10,000 is being offered by the independent charity Crimestoppers for information that leads to the arrest and conviction of those responsible for Matthew's murder.

Detective Chief Inspector Sam Price, Homicide and Major Crime Command, says, "A year on from the murder, we have found no evidence to suggest that Matthew was affiliated to gangs or to crime, and we have found nothing that indicates a motive for his murder. We need to speak to anyone who knows why Matthew was attacked and killed.

"This appears to have been a senseless attack on a young man and Matthew's family has been left devastated; they rightly deserve to know what led to his death.

"Matthew's mother was called to her injured son and had to watch him die in front of her. No parent should have to endure an ordeal like this and the fact that no one has been brought to account can only increase the family's anguish.

"I would ask anyone who has information to search their conscience and do what is right.

"If you know anything that can help bring justice for Matthew and his family, I would urge you to call, even if you might be scared. We can offer protection to anyone giving vital information".

Anyone with information is asked to call the incident room on 020 8721 5054 or police via 101.

To give information and qualify for the reward, Crimestoppers can be contacted on 0800 555 111 or crimestoppers-uk.org

Seven people have been arrested on suspicion of the murder. Six teenagers have since been informed that the cases againts them will not proceed, while a 15-year-old boy was arrested on suspicion of murder on Tuesday 20 June 2017 and has been released under investigation.