The family of a woman stabbed to death in south-west London in a daylight attack have paid tribute to the “smart, dedicated and loving girl”.
The Metropolitan police confirmed the 31-year-old victim of the attack in Stockwell Park Walk, Brixton, just after 4pm on Monday was Johanita Kossiwa Dogbey.
A 33-year-old man was arrested on suspicion of murder on Tuesday and remains in police custody after officers were granted a warrant of further detention at Croydon magistrates court on Wednesday.
On Thursday, Dogbey’s family paid tribute to her in a joint statement.
“We are devastated by the news of the passing of our daughter,” the statement read.
“Johanita was a smart, dedicated, and loving girl who always helped anyone. She hasn’t got one bad bone in her body. She wouldn’t hurt a fly. We can’t believe a senseless crime like this has happened as we can’t imagine who would do this to her.
“Our hearts are completely broken and will not understand why someone would take our beautiful girl away from us. She will forever be in our hearts as we will carry on living life as gracefully and beautifully as she did.”
Specially trained officers continued to provide support to her family.
Dogbey was found with stab wounds and was pronounced dead at the scene at 4.42pm.
Detectives from the Met’s specialist crime command are leading the investigation and have carried out inquiries, including a review of CCTV from the area. They have also spoken to several witnesses.
Based on these initial inquiries, it is believed she was walking along Stockwell Park Walk when she was approached from behind by a man who attacked her. It is not believed the man was known to her.