23 August 2023 , 11:54
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A £20,000 reward has been offered to anyone with information that brings to justice those who killed a father-to-be at Notting Hill Carnival last year.
Talented rapper Takayo Nembhard was stabbed in front of revellers last August in an unprovoked attack, leaving his family broken. The 21-year-old, known by the stage name TKorStretch, was knifed in front of hundreds and died in hospital after being attacked at Ladbroke Grove. The musician from Bristol was visiting with his sister and friends.
A post-mortem examination showed he died from a stab wound to the right groin femoral artery. The Met Police say five people have been arrested in connection with Takayo's murder, but no one has yet been charged and his desperate relatives say they can't rest until his killers are caught.
Now, charity Crimestoppers has put up the huge reward and will ensure that anyone with information about the fatal stabbing remains anonymous. Last year, the Met also set up a dedicated page where witnesses can upload photos and videos of the incident. It can be accessed here.
Detective Inspector Laura Semple, Specialist Crime at the Met Police, said: “It has been a year since Takayo died and his family remain devastated at his loss. His son, who was born in November, is growing up having never known his dad. Takayo was a talented rapper and singer from Bristol who had visited the carnival with his friends and sister.
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"He had done nothing to provoke the attack that day. We still really need the help of anyone who has information to bring those responsible to justice. I hope the offer of this substantial reward from the charity Crimestoppers with the appeal to contact them anonymously will encourage people to do the right thing.”
A number arrests have been made, with the most recent last week, but as yet no-one has yet been charged with Mr Nembhard’s murder. Last October a 23-year-old man and an 18-year-old man were arrested in Bristol on suspicion of murder. Later, a 20-year-old woman was also arrested in Islington on suspicion of assisting an offender. A 17-year-old was arrested in Bristol on suspicion of murder three days after.
An 18-year-old man handed himself into police on December 6 after a CCTV image was circulated. He was arrested on suspicion of murder. Last week, a 23-year-old man was arrested in Shepherds Bush on suspicion of murder and has been bailed until a date in mid-November. They have all been released under investigation while police inquiries continue.
Alexa Loukas, London Regional Manager at Crimestoppers, said: “Takayo was part of a loving and caring family. At the time of his murder, he and his girlfriend were expecting their first child together. There were many witnesses to the killing who could have vital information, but for whatever reason, have not yet come forward.
"Our charity, which is independent of the police, gives you the opportunity to pass on information about crime whilst staying completely anonymous. I know how hard it is to speak up, but you could make a difference. Every piece of information, no matter how small, is a step closer towards finding justice for Takayo.”
The victim's family said: “Almost a year on, our family are in disbelief and continued sadness that Takayo’s passing goes unpunished. We will never get over him but justice being served will help us to move on.”