Two Charged with Murder After Fatal Stabbing in New Cross

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A man and a woman from Bedford have been charged in connection with the fatal stabbing of 26-year-old Ayowale Aladejana in southeast London. The incident occurred on the evening of 3 August 2025, prompting a swift response from emergency services. Despite the efforts of paramedics, Mr Aladejana was pronounced dead at the scene.

According to the Metropolitan Police, officers were called to a residential property on Monson Road in New Cross at approximately 6.30 pm following reports of a man suffering from stab wounds. Upon arrival, emergency responders found Mr Aladejana with a critical injury to the chest. A subsequent post-mortem examination confirmed the preliminary cause of death to be a single stab wound.

Two suspects, Ben Wazabanga and Ronique Belfon, both aged 23 and residents of Bedford, have been charged with murder. In addition to the murder charge, Wazabanga faces a separate charge of possession of a bladed article, in breach of UK knife crime legislation.

Ms Belfon appeared before Westminster Magistrates’ Court on 5 August, where she confirmed her identity, age, and home address. The court ordered that she be remanded in custody. Her next scheduled appearance is set for Wednesday, 7 August, at the Central Criminal Court, commonly known as the Old Bailey.

Mr Wazabanga is expected to appear at Croydon Magistrates’ Court later the same day. Both individuals are currently being held in custody pending further court proceedings.

The victim, Ayowale Aladejana, was a resident of South Norwood, southeast London. Police have not confirmed whether the victim and suspects were known to one another, and the motive for the attack remains under investigation. Authorities are appealing to the public for any information that may assist in establishing the circumstances surrounding the incident.

A spokesperson for the Metropolitan Police commented, “We understand that this tragic event has caused great distress in the community. Our officers are working diligently to bring justice to the victim and his family. We urge anyone with relevant information, no matter how minor it may seem, to come forward.”

The incident adds to a growing list of knife-related crimes under investigation in the capital, though police have reiterated that there is no indication of a wider threat to the public. Community leaders in New Cross and South Norwood have called for calm and cooperation with ongoing police efforts.

This case will now proceed through the Crown Court system, where a full hearing is expected to take place in the coming weeks. Further forensic analysis and witness testimonies will form part of the prosecution’s case as it seeks to clarify the events leading up to Mr Aladejana’s death.

As investigations continue, the Metropolitan Police have increased patrols in the area to reassure local residents and discourage any retaliatory or opportunistic acts of violence. Those with information are encouraged to contact the Met’s incident room or report anonymously via Crimestoppers.

No further updates have been released regarding the condition or legal representation of the accused at this stage.