Two London Cousins Gunned Down Six Months Apart – Police Seek Public’s Help to Crack Murders
Shock Murders of Turkish Cousins Baffle Detectives
Two cousins from Enfield, London, have been shot dead just six months apart, and police are hunting their killers. Cafer Aslan, 54, was found with fatal gunshot wounds on Westminster Road, Enfield, on 23 August 2017. Then, in a chilling echo, his cousin Bulent Kabala, 41, was shot dead on Mount Pleasant, Barnet, on 12 February 2018. Both were of Turkish heritage and lived locally.
Family Tragedy Spanning Two Countries
Detective Chief Inspector Noel McHugh, leading the probe into Bulent’s murder, said:
“While different gunmen were involved, it can’t be a coincidence. Bulent’s brother, Ilhan Kabala, was fatally shot outside a nightclub in Turkey in 2014. All three men were murdered within a few years.”
DCI McHugh warned that these appear to be well-planned contract killings with numerous people involved.
“People know exactly what happened but are staying silent out of misplaced loyalty,” he added. “We need that silence broken so Bulent’s family can have justice.”
The Killings: Cold-Blooded and Calculated
- Bulent Kabala was a taxi driver when he was ambushed on 12 February 2018 after picking up a fare. His car was rammed by a stolen Ford Transit van.
- As he stepped out, he was shot four times, including a fatal close-range headshot.
- The van, displaying stolen number plates, fled the scene and was found abandoned two days later.
- Meanwhile, Cafer Aslan’s murder used a burnt-out stolen grey Audi Q5, found 40 minutes after the shooting.
Family Pleads for Justice
Bulent’s wife, Sevitch, spoke out:
“We had a wonderful life for 19 years. One night, everything changed. My youngest was only two and has no memory of his dad. Every mention of ‘dad’ causes pain for my children and me. Someone in the community knows something – please think of us and help bring justice.”
Police Offer £20,000 Reward – Urge Anyone with Info to Speak Up
DCI McHugh urged witnesses to come forward:
“These murders involved many roles – some may have seemed minor at the time, like stealing number plates or sourcing vehicles. We urge anyone who saw suspicious activity or recognises the stolen tools found in the Transit van to get in touch.”
The detective stressed the likely involvement of the Turkish community and hopes time has shifted allegiances. Police remind anyone with even small details to call in.
Contact Details
- For Cafer Aslan murder info: 0208 345 3985
- For Bulent Kabala murder info: 0208 785 8099
