Manhunt Ends: Teens Arrested for Fatal Bus Stabbing of 14-Year-Old Kelyan Bokassa in Woolwich

Hi and welcome to this Video Production News Crime Report Update.

Following an intensive manhunt by the Met Police for 15-year-old Colin Chabikwa and 16-year-old Mosawar Zazi, pictured below, a significant breakthrough has been made in the investigation into the murder of 14-year-old Kelyan Bokassa. The Metropolitan Police have confirmed the arrests of a 15-year-old boy and a 16-year-old boy on suspicion of murder. Additionally, a 44-year-old woman was taken into custody on suspicion of assisting offenders.

Detective Chief Inspector Sarah Lee, leading the investigation, provided the following statement:

“While these arrests mark a significant step forward in this investigation, we continue to appeal for anyone with information about Keylan’s murder to come forward and speak to us."

She also added “I would like to thank officers for working around the clock in order to locate our suspects and praise the Woolwich community for their on-going support and patience whilst we have carried out our investigation. I know that this incident deeply affected you all, and I hope that these two arrests reassure you that we are doing everything to tackle violent offenders across London.”

The murder investigation began on Tuesday, 7 January 2025, when police, paramedics, and the London Air Ambulance were called to reports of a stabbing on a Route 472 double-decker bus on Woolwich Church Street near the South Circular Road. Officers arrived at 14:28 GMT and found Kelyan Bokassa, 14, suffering from stab wounds. Despite immediate efforts by paramedics, he was pronounced dead shortly after their arrival.

Following the incident, police launched an urgent appeal for information and named Chabikwa and Zazi as individuals they were keen to locate. The public was warned not to approach them if seen and instead to contact authorities immediately.

Detective Chief Inspector Lee emphasized the dedication of her team, highlighting the disruption caused by extensive weapons searches, house-to-house inquiries, and reassurance patrols. She reiterated the force's commitment to bringing violent offenders to justice.

Kelyan’s mother, Mary Bokassa, previously spoke of her heartbreak, describing her son as “very caring” and kind. She revealed the harrowing reality of his life, which had been marred by grooming from the age of six and periods in care. She lamented her repeated, unanswered pleas for help:

"I feel hurt because I tried to prevent it. I've tried so many, so many times. I screamed it, I said 'my son is going to be killed.'"

The tragedy of Kelyan’s death marks the latest in a string of violent crimes in Woolwich. Less than three months earlier, 15-year-old Daħejaun Campbell was fatally stabbed on Eglinton Road, a mere mile and a half from the scene of Kelyan’s murder.

Both cases highlight the ongoing crisis of knife crime gripping London’s youth. In 2024 alone, 11 teenage boys lost their lives to homicide in the capital. Community leaders, police, and advocacy groups continue to call for urgent action to prevent further tragedies.

The Metropolitan Police have urged anyone with information related to Kelyan’s murder to contact them on 101, quoting reference 3795/07Jvan. Alternatively, anonymous tips can be made to Crimestoppers at 0800 555 111.

Well, that’s all for now. But until our next article, please stay tuned, stay informed, but most of all stay safe, and I’ll see you then.

Bénédict Tarot Freeman

Editor-at-Large

VPN City-Desk

citydesk@vpnldn.co.uk