Balga stabbing: Victim revealed as Mauwa ‘Melanie’ Kizenga, 22

The 22-year-old woman killed after being stabbed while walking in Balga on Saturday night has been revealed as Mauwa Kizenga.

Speaking outside her home in Clarkson, Ms Kizenga’s friend Martha Pommet said she was “very caring”.

Ms Kizenga was found opposite Balga Primary School with serious stab wound injuries, and while St John WA provided emergency treatment and took her to Royal Perth Hospital, she could not be saved.

A 30-year-old man has been charged with murder and will face court on Monday.

Ms Pommet said she and Ms Kizenga, also known as Melanie, grew up together after meeting at a mutual friend’s birthday party almost 10 years ago.

“She was very, very caring. The relationship that we had was very unique. She was like a twin,” Ms Pommett said.

“We just had funny times together, a lot of moments in our rooms where we would laugh and talk and tell each other our secrets ... it was just magical.

“I’ve never met anyone like her, and I just miss her so much.”

Mary Kolanda described her cousin Ms Kizenga as a “big sister”, saying the pair were planning a ‘big family holiday’ to Sydney.

“Mauwa was just one of those people where she would drop everything just to be there for you,” the 18-year-old said.

“When I started high school she was the main person who got me through it when I was getting bullied, she would say ‘Mary you are so beautiful, don’t let anybody tell you any different’ and I’ve never forgotten that, I’ve got those words in the back of my mind.

“I just wish the person who did this knew the kind of person Mauwa was and the impact she had.”

Police say Ms Kinenga was walking to a family member’s home with a relative before the “violent and completely unprovoked” attack unfolded.

Just after 8pm, the 30-year-old man who is believed to be involved in the incident was taken into custody nearby on Wittering Crescent by locals.

Detective Senior Sergeant Katharine Venn said Ms Kizenga was in the area “visiting a family member” and “walking between homes” before she was allegedly stabbed.

“This is a terrible and tragic incident in our community,” Det-Sen. Sgt Venn said.

“Everyone deserves to be able to walk safely on our streets. “We extend our deepest condolences to the friends and family of the poor young woman who passed away.

“We’d like to thank the members of the community that responded so bravely and so quickly to apprehend the man involved we have in custody now.”

Police believe the accused has a “very limited connection” to the victim’s cousin, who later helped identify the man to officers.

“She is extremely distressed; understandably, she was present during and throughout the incident,” Det-Sen. Sgt Venn said.