Members of the Easton community have been left in shock after the fatal stabbing of a young man who many described as a ‘brother’ to them. Kunta Ceesay died after being attacked on Stapleton Road on Friday (September 20) and was known by many in the local community.
The 25-year-old, who was originally from The Gambia, was described by locals as a ‘good kind spirit.’ Floral tributes, photos and messages against violence have been left around the post box close to where the stabbing took place.
Lamin Sanyang, who is also from Gambia, said that he knew Kunta from Bristol Kora Association, a community group on Stapleton Road that caters to the Gambian and Senegalese community. He told Bristol Live: “He was a very calm person, I don’t know how someone could stab him.
“It’s a big shock. It’s too much for me, I’m not sleeping properly, I can’t believe what happened.” People at Kora have placed a photo of Kunta in the window of the community centre and are hoping to organise some kind of memorial.
Alieu Mboob described Kunta as a man with a ‘clean heart’ who would often visit the centre for food, but who would also help out and volunteer there. “He was full of life, wherever you saw him he would be smiling and happy,” he added.
“When he was here, he was always talking to people nicely, he never had any problems with people here. Even if he suspected that you were upset with him he would try and make up with you – he was like a brother to us.”
Prez, who owns a shop on Stapleton Road and produces music, described the young man as ‘a very good musician’ and said he had recently recorded two of his tracks. He said that he saw police on Stapleton Road on Friday, and later discovered that it was Kunta who had been attacked.
Prez said: “He was bubbly, he was always friendly, just a good, kind spirit, he always had manners. I can’t honestly think of a bad word to say about him.
“I had seen him earlier that day but had also spoken to him earlier that week and said to him, ‘don’t waste your talent, I know you are going through a rough time but believe in yourself.’
In reference to knife crime in general, Prez added: “It’s pointless and silly. I hope it comes to an end because people are losing their lives and it’s not worth it.”
A local woman who also knew Kunta, but who did not want to be named, said she was there when paramedics arrived and were trying to revive him. “It was not a nice thing to see,” she said.
“There was another [incident] not too long ago, it’s just getting stupid. He was classed as everyone’s brother.
“He was a big strong man, so fit and healthy, he was too young to die. He is going to be sadly missed by all of us.”
Shakawan Siddiqi, 32, of Wade Street in St Jude’s, has been charged with murder following the death and has been remanded into custody. He was due to appear at Bristol Magistrates Court today, Monday, September 23. Two women, aged 36 and 47, arrested on suspicion of assisting an offender have been released under investigation.
Source: Bristol Live
