The family of Johanita Dogbey, 31, a woman who died after being stabbed in Brixton in South London in broad daylight this week, have said they are ‘devastated’ by her loss.
The attack took place a few metres from her home on Bank Holiday Monday (1 May). It is thought she was approached by a man who was a complete stranger to her who attacked her from behind.
According to reports, Johanita, a brand consultant, was walking home after buying a birthday present for her mother when it happened; neighbours said that she had been on the phone to her grandmother, who heard a scream. The Metropolitan Police and an air ambulance found her with stab wounds and she died at the scene.
In a statement, her family said: 'We are devastated by the news of the passing of our daughter. 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.'
Johanita's younger brother Maurice told the Times: 'As far as we know there was no link between my sister and the attacker. This whole thing has left us devastated. It's too much for us.'
According to a family friend, Johanita was ‘a genuinely good person who loved God and just wanted to make the world a better place. It's tragic that somebody who did so much good was killed like this.'
Of Ghanaian descent, Johanita founded the Odette Foundation to raise awareness of sickle cell disease in Ghana and Togo. It provided medical support and raised funds for those afflicted by the disease. She was also a devout Christian who enjoyed cooking and travelling. She lived with her mother, father, brother and sister.
A 33-year-old man arrested on suspicion of murder remains in police custody after officers were granted a warrant of further detention at Croydon Magistrates’ Court on Wednesday. Detectives launched an investigation following reports of a stabbing in Stockwell Park Walk, SW9, shortly after 4pm on Monday.
A femicide census report for 2023 is not available yet, but according to the study a man kills a woman every three days in the UK.
Detective Chief Superintendent Seb Adjei-Addoh, local policing commander for Lambeth, said: 'I am in regular contact with officers leading the investigation into this brutal attack and my thoughts continue to be with the woman’s family and friends as they come to terms with this awful news.
'We will do everything we can to support them at this unimaginably difficult time.’
Anyone with information about what happened is asked to call 101 quoting CAD 4728/01May. To remain anonymous contact the independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.