Mum prays for killer of Havering teenager Champion Ganda stabbed 11 times outside primary school
Peguy Kato prays for her son's killer (photo: Arnaud Stephenson) - Credit: photo: Arnaud Stephenson
The broken-hearted mother of a 17-year-old who was stabbed to death said she prays for her son’s killer.
Champion Ganda (picture via Twitter) - Credit: Archant
Peguy Kato, 40, was speaking after Amani Lynch, 20, of Canning Town, was cleared of the murder of her son Champion Ganda but found guilty of manslaughter by a majority. He was also convicted of wounding another boy with intent.
Champion suffered 11 stab wounds to his head, chest, arms and legs in Sandringham Road, Forest Gate, and died at the scene on May 9, 2013.
“I pray for that boy Lynch. I prayed for all of them,” Peguy said referring to his co-defendants Marvin Simos, of Woolwich, and 21-year-old Devante Clifford – who were cleared of all charges.
“My prayer is that God meets him and that Jesus gives him love so that he can love others.
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“He needs to find love and only Jesus can give him that love.”
Champion was born in the Congo but moved to the UK at a young age as his mother wanted her children to have a good life and better education.
Champion is buried at Manor Park Cemetery. - Credit: Archant
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As a talented seven-year-old he played football for Arsenal juniors and the family moved from Plaistow to Havering.
But having established friendships at school, Champion would travel back to the area.
On the day he died, the teenager was walking along the street with his friend, then 16. The friend was knifed twice but survived.
The mother-of-eight said she was pleased with how the investigation was carried out.
“I’m proud of the police,” she continued.
“They took the boys to the courts and brought all the evidence. Some people say they don’t trust the police but for me, I am happy, they were good people and did the job very very well.”
Amani Lynch, 20, of Vanguard Close, Canning Town, was found guilty of the manslaughter Champion Ganda at the Old Bailey. Picture: Metropolitan Police - Credit: Archant
But she said she has no plans to attend the Old Bailey on March 24 to hear Lynch’s sentence.
“I had my son when I was 19 so he took all my life and left me with pain and regret.”
Instead she plans to focus her attention on helping other families.
“I want to stop someone else being stabbed and stop someone else going to prison.”
Peguy said she hopes to work with other mothers who have suffered such tragedies in a bid to end the knife culture among young people.
Sending out a message, she said young people should choose their friends carefully.
17-year-old Champion Ganda. - Credit: Archant
“Not choosing your friends [carefully] can take you to prison and not choosing your friends can take your life.”
She added that police should also take steps to communicate better with families.
“When they knock on someone’s door and say they’re looking for a son, tell the parents what they’re doing.
“We know them inside the house but don’t know what they are doing outside.”
