'Gentle' stab victim is second son to die

The devastated family of London's latest teenage stab victim today revealed that his eldest brother died only months ago from a heart attack.

Oliver Kingonzila became the capital's 26th teenage killing victim when he was knifed during a fight outside a Croydon nightclub.

The business student and semi-professional footballer was attacked outside the E Bar at 1.15am on Saturday. He was taken by ambulance to Mayday Hospital but died within an hour.

His older brother Herve, 27, collapsed and died of a suspected heart attack while playing football in February. Oliver, who played for Barnet FC, had an "amazing ability" at football and was destined for stardom, his family said. His brother Christopher, 18, said: "He was an incredible talent. He was inspirational. Oliver was a massive Manchester United fan, and his favourite player was Ronaldo - and he was just as good as him."

Mother Caroline Kingonzila, 51, said: "Oliver was a kind and gentle boy. He never carried a knife and would never harm anyone. He had just celebrated his birthday on 4 September. He had everything to live for.

"I don't know why he was attacked. None of this makes any sense to me. I've lost two sons in a year. Whoever can take a knife and use it to hurt someone else is possessed by demons and needs help. I have forgiven that person, but they need to turn to Jesus for help."

After Herve died Oliver said: "My brother was a diamond, he shone so brightly and will never be forgotten. I'm determined to be a professional footballer. I'd like him to look down on me and be proud."

Mrs Kingonzila is now facing triple heartbreak. A third son, Patrick, who was jailed for six years in 2003 for burglary, is awaiting deportation back to the Democratic Republic of the Congo.

The Kingonzilas say they fled the tyrannical regime in 1991 because they were at risk from factions loyal to the late dictator Mobutu Sese Seko, who assassinated a family member in the opposition government.

Oliver's father, Kimbeni, 55, is flying from Africa. Other family members visited Patrick, 25, at the Immigration Removal Centre in Dover. He is said to be "destroyed" by the news. His sister, Elodie, 22, added: "My mum and dad are not coping well, losing two sons in six months, it's just too much to take." Barnet manager Paul Fairclough and his players were told about Oliver's death just before the start of the home game against Morecambe on Saturday.

He described Oliver, who had recently made his first team debut, as "a gentle giant". He said: "He was keen to be a professional footballer. Everyone was amazed by his power and strength and yet impressed by his gentle personality when he wasn't on the pitch."

Two 18-year-old men have been arrested. One was treated in hospital for stab wounds and is still in custody. The other was bailed.

Anyone with information should call 020 8721 4805.