Zimbabwean amongst four guilty of murdering Trust Gangata in UK

A Zimbabwean has been found guilty along with three other men of killing fellow Zimbabwean Trust Gangata in Leeds, UK. The four were sentenced recently by a judge in the United Kingdom.

In a harrowing incident that shocked the community, three young men have been found guilty of the murder of Trust Gangata, a 17-year-old who tragically lost his life in a stabbing incident at a party in Leeds. The fatal attack occurred at a residence on Salisbury Road, Armley, in the early hours of 19 March.

A trial at Leeds Crown Court revealed that Trust Gangata was not the intended target and the killing was a result of mistaken identity. The jury unanimously convicted Karl Belinga, Karlson Ogie, and Paul Mbwasse, all 19 years old, of murder. Brandon Paradzai, 20, was acquitted of murder but found guilty of manslaughter.

A witness reported to the police that Trust was attacked with a “Rambo-style” knife and two “large” blades. The motive behind the attack was reportedly revenge for a prior assault on Belinga, an incident in which Trust was not involved, according to the Crown Prosecution Service (CPS).

Following the initial assault, Belinga left the party. However, all four individuals, wearing face coverings, later returned in a car. A female witness recounted being in the kitchen with approximately 15 others when “three males burst in” and viciously attacked Trust.

Emergency calls were made from the property shortly before 03:00, and Trust was rushed to Leeds General Infirmary by ambulance. Despite efforts to resuscitate him, Trust Gangata was declared dead at 03:31. A Home Office pathologist, testifying during the trial, indicated that Trust had sustained at least 14 separate blows with a knife.

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The convicted individuals—Belinga, Mbwasse, Ogie, and Paradzai—will face sentencing at Leeds Crown Court on 18 December. Senior Crown Prosecutor Ben Moore from CPS Yorkshire & Humberside emphasized the premeditated nature of the attack, stating that the defendants returned armed with knives, seeking revenge for an incident unrelated to their victim.

Expressing condolences, Moore added, “Trust Gangata’s life was callously cut short by these defendants in a case of mistaken identity. The Gangata family have conducted themselves with dignity throughout these proceedings, and our thoughts remain with them.”