Zimbabwean waiter jailed for frenzied knife attacks at UK party

By James Cartledge | Birmingham Mail |

BIRMINGHAM – A Zimbabwean waiter in the Midlands (UK) has been jailed for 11 years over a frenzied knife attack on two men at a birthday party. 

Thomas Mahasoh left one of his victims, aged just 18, fighting for his life with a stomach wound while the second man, 20, was stabbed in the leg.

The violence flared at a bash thrown by a relative of the 41-year-old’s in Crawley, Sussex, at 3.45am on July 7 last year.

Lewes Crown Court heard Mahasoh, of Stratford Road, Hockley Heath, Solihull, fled after stabbing the pair and returned to Solihull. He admitted two counts of grievous bodily harm when he stood trial at the court.

The sentence was welcomed by Det Insp Mark Cullimore, of Sussex Police.

“Mahasoh quickly fled the scene and soon afterwards drove home to Solihull, but was later identified with the help of some brave witnesses who contacted the police,” he said.

“Thankfully both victims have recovered.

“The sentence reflects the seriousness of the offences he committed and we are very grateful for the assistance of local people, particularly in the local Zimbabwean community, whose understanding was invaluable.

“They can be reassured by the outcome that police will always take this type of incident seriously.”