'Cold-hearted killer' handed life sentence for Claudia Kambanza murder in Hull
Family pays tribute to a 'cherished daughter, friend, and confidante'
A man described by Humberside Police Detectives as a 'cold hearted killer' has been told he will serve a minimum of 23 years and six months in jail.
Mateus Johannes, 28, of no fixed abode, stabbed Claudia Kambanza, 22, to death in Hull in January last year, later pleading guilty in December to murder and being in possession of a bladed article in a public place at Grimsby Crown Court.
Police were called to reports that a woman had sustained stab wounds on Hinderwell Street in Hull at around 3am on Friday 26 January.
There had been an altercation inside a property at the address where Johannes first stabbed Claudia to her head.
She then ran out into the street where Johannes followed her with a knife, causing the fatal blow to her abdomen.
Claudia was taken to hospital to receive treatment for serious injuries to her head, chest, and abdomen.
She also had multiple bruising across her body where she had been kicked and punched as she lay on the floor.
Despite the efforts of medical professionals, she died a short while later.
Meanwhile, Johannes had walked two miles to Bankside on Clough Road before ringing 999 himself to tell police where he was and what he had done.
He was located and subsequently arrested on suspicion of murder.
Deputy Senior Investigating Officer Inspector Lauren Clough from our Major Crime Team said: “This has been a painstaking ordeal for Claudia’s family and friends, and I admire them for their patience throughout the entire judicial process.
“Johannes is a cold-hearted killer who brutally murdered Claudia, stabbing her with such force the handle of the knife detached from the blade. He then casually walked two miles, waiting 40 minutes after attacking Claudia before he decided to ring the police himself to admit what he had done.
“Nobody should ever lose their life at the hands of a knife, and the consequences of someone using one can be catastrophic, as we have seen with this devastating case.
“The detrimental impact that one knife can have on so many lives is far-reaching, and my thoughts remain with Claudia’s family and friends who must continue to navigate a life without her.
“We will not accept violence in any guise and will always do everything we can to seek justice for those who come to harm at the hands of another.
“I would also like to thank all my colleagues who were involved in this very complex investigation. We will always do everything in our power to ensure those who commit crimes are held accountable for their actions, and it is because of the team’s hard work and determination that we were able to get this case to court to eventually see a brutal murderer behind bars.”
Speaking about Claudia, her family said: “Claudia lived up to the legacy of her name and was kind, bubbly, and warm-hearted. She wasn’t afraid of challenges and always wanted good for other people.
“She was a cherished daughter, friend, and confidante. She was a source of comfort in times of sadness, and the hole that has been left behind will never be filled.
“She always loved to cook and host people. She had an accommodative spirit and was a people’s person. She had her whole life ahead of her and was an adventurous person who wanted to travel the world. Johannes brutally took that away from her and whilst the result in court today will never bring her back, we find some solace knowing that he has been locked away for a long time.”