Trio jailed over mistaken ID machete murder of loving and kind teenager

Three men have been jailed for a minimum term of 23 years for the murder of a 'perfectly innocent' man at a house party. The trio took part in the planned attack that took the life of Trust Gangata, 17, at the party in Armley, Leeds. Trust was described as a polite and loving young man who had never caused any trouble for anyone.

Trust, who was not the intended target, died after being stabbed 15 times in the early hours of March 19 this year. His killers had been motivated by 'hate' and 'revenge' but had attacked the wrong person. They had disguised themselves with masks and gloves and armed themselves with machete-type weapons.

Trust was chased and then attacked in front of screaming partygoers, some as young as 15. Paul Mbwasse of Walpole Road, Huddersfield was convicted of murder along with Karl Belinga, 19, of Brendon Walk, Bradford, and Karlson Ogie, 19, of Bierley House Avenue, Bradford. All three men were told they would serve a minimum term of 23 years in custody.

Brandon Paradzai, 20, of Coleshill Way, Bradford, was found guilty of manslaughter and was told he must serve 16 years in youth custody.

Leeds Crown Court heard that none of the defendants had any previous convictions. Leeds Crown Court heard from the parents of Trust Gangata who said the death of their son had left them devastated. They knew Trust as TJ and said he was a polite, loving and well mannered young man who had dreams of becoming an entrepreneur.

His mum, a nurse, said: "He was not violent, he was not in a gang, he did not carry a knife. Why?" We will never recover as a family. I am empty.

I know I will feel like this forever." "The loss of TJ has destroyed everything that we loved." Trust's father broke down in court as he described how his son's murder had affected the family.

Mr Gangata said "TJ was not in a gang. He did not carry a knife. He did not have trouble with anyone.

He did not do drugs. He did not drink alcohol." Mr Gangata said he was blessed to have TJ as a son. "He was responsible, loving, kind, sociable human being."

He said Trust was an entrepreneur who bought and sold things on the internet. "I am sure he would have gone on to be a great success at whatever he did in his life." "The death of TJ crushed me. It has taken a part of me away.

It has stopped my life.

I don't know how to deal with my grief.

I do not know what to do."

References

1. ^ Trust Gangata murder sentencing live updates as trio each told to serve 23 years after house party stabbing (www.leeds-live.co.uk)