Kent Police issued a photograph of Colin Chabikwa, 15, after he vanished from Gillingham, Kent, in September and called on anyone with information to dial 999 – they are now looking for him again
A teenage boy being hunted by detectives over the stabbing of Kelyan Bokassa was already the subject of a police search when the 14-year-old was killed.
Colin Chabikwa, 15, had not been seen since he vanished in Gillingham in Kent at 4pm on September 23. Kent Police issued a photograph of the boy at the time saying he had links to Woolwich in south east London and calling on anyone with information to dial 999. Aspiring rapper Kelyan was fatally injured on a 472 bus in Woolwich Church Street, near Woolwich Ferry, just before 2.30pm on January 7.
His mother Mary believes her only child was targeted by gangs after he grew up without his father and was taken into care. Kelyan’s temporary homes included one in Deal, Kent, but he ran away back to London twice. Detectives said on Tuesday that they would like to speak to Chabikwa and Mosawar Zazi, 16, and are appealing for the public’s help in locating them.
Det Chief Insp Sarah Lee said: “Firstly, my thoughts are with the family and friends of Kelyan. I know his death has deeply affected many in the community and I would like to thank people in Woolwich for the support they have shown. Officers have been undertaking increased weapons searches, reassurance patrols and house-to-house inquiries. I know these can be disruptive – however, it has been vital, and your patience is appreciated.
“Our team of detectives is working around the clock to identify those responsible for Kelyan’s murder and appeal for your help to locate Chabikwa and Zazi. I would urge anybody with information about their whereabouts to contact us immediately by calling 999. If seen, we urge the public not to approach them, but to contact police as soon as possible.”
There were unconfirmed reports Kelyan, a budding drill rapper who used the stage name Grippa, was targeted in a tit-for-tat gang war after giving away his whereabouts online. Around an hour before he was killed, he posted a haunting message on Instagram, asking if any of his followers had a “mindy” – a street slang term for knife. Kelyan’s death came just three months after his 15-year-old pal Daejaun Campbell was killed with a blade nearby.
Two days after the incident, police implemented orders for 24 hours covering Woolwich and parts of surrounding areas giving them greater powers to stop and search and demand the removal of disguises, including face coverings, because of concerns there could be more violence. Anyone with information is urged to call police on 101 giving the reference 3795/07JAN25 or to remain anonymous contact Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111 or online.
