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Published:12:5907/02/2025
HULL
A ‘cold-hearted killer’ who murdered 22-year-old Claudia Kambanza by stabbing her with such force the knife snapped, has today been sentenced to life in prison with a minimum term of 23 years and six months behind bars.
Mateus Johannes, 28-years-old, of no fixed abode, pleaded guilty to murder and being in possession of a bladed article in a public place after his appearance at Grimsby Crown Court in December 2024.
At around 3am on Friday 26 January 2024, officers were called to reports that a woman had sustained stab wounds on Hinderwell Street in Hull.
An altercation had first ensued within a property at the address where Johannes first stabbed Claudia to her head. Fleeing for her life, Claudia ran out into the street where Johannes callously followed with a knife, subsequently 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 Johannes had kicked and punched her as she lay on the floor.
Before she tragically passed away, she made a dying declaration and named Mateus Johannes as her killer, but 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 officers where he was and what he had done. Officers swiftly located him, and he was 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.”
