Matthew Kitandwe murder: Police seek to trace two cars seen at the scene

Victim: Matthew Kitandwe, 18, was stabbed to death two weeks ago at his front door in Battersea
Hannah Al-Othman6 July 2016
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Detectives investigating the murder of 18-year-old Matthew Kitandwe in Battersea are appealing for information about two cars that were seen close to the scene.

Promising footballer Matthew was stabbed to death in the communal stairwell of a block of flats in Wayford Street, just after 4pm on Tuesday, June 21.

Police and paramedics raced to the scene, but Matthew, a student at South Thames College, was pronounced dead at about 5pm.

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

Police are now looking to trace a small, light coloured vehicle that was seen parked directly outside the block of flats in Wayford Street where Matthew was killed.

Officers also want to speak to a group of young men who were standing by that car and the flats at the same time as the murder.

Detectives are also appealing for information about a black hatchback that was seen driving four times up and down Cabul Road, which adjoins Wayford Street, around the time of the murder.

On the fourth occasion the vehicle drove past the junction with Wayford Street, and one of the youths from the group that had been standing outside the block of flats walked over to car and got in before it drove off.

Murdered: A young Matthew Kitandwe and his mother Rose
Met Police

Two weeks on from the murder, old Matthew's devastated family have urged any witnesses to come forward and speak to police.

His mother Rose, said: "My son Matthew, you will be greatly missed. You were my best friend and the house feels empty without you. It is a traumatic time for all the family.

"You were much loved by everyone and have left a very big gap to fill.

"Please, please could anyone with any information contact the police, as we don’t want any other family to go through this."

Matthew's uncle James, added: "Matthew was an excellent sportsman, who represented Wandsworth borough in athletics, Uganda U-17s in football and had recently been signed by Colliers Wood F.C.

"He was very popular, creating enduring friendships with everyone he came across and cared deeply for friends and family.

"He was funny with a mischievous sense of humour and, curious to know more about his family’s background and culture, went to Uganda for 18 months. He is so greatly missed."

Murdered: stabbing victim Matthew Kitandwe

Detective Chief Inspector Sam Price, of the Homicide and Major Crime Command, said: "Two weeks on, we are still no nearer to finding a motive as to why Matthew was attacked.

"So far we have found no evidence to suggest that this young man was affiliated to gangs or to any other type of crime.

"I am extremely keen to speak to anyone who can give us any information about these new sightings by witnesses of the two vehicles, or the group of young men, seen by the scene of the crime around the same time as Matthew was killed.

"If you know anyone who was in this group, or who was in either the light-coloured car outside the flats in Wayford Street, or the black hatchback seen driving up and down Cabul Road, please get in touch."

An 18-year-old man was arrested on Thursday, June 23 on suspicion of murder, and has since been bailed to a date in August.

A 16-year old boy was also arrested on suspicion of murder on Monday, June 27 and has been bailed to a date in July.

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.

Anyone with information is asked to call the incident room on 020 8721 5054 or police via 101. Alternatively, to remain anonymous and qualify for the reward, contact Crimestoppers via 0800 555 111.

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