Ridge 'Big Rax' Kazumba, a successful rapper and community volunteer, was sentenced to life in prison on Tuesday for the second-degree murder of 23-year-old Nakhari Henry-Robinson. The incident occurred on August 24, 2023, at the Royal Caribbean Cafe on St. Clair Avenue West in Toronto. Kazumba will be eligible for parole after 12 years.
The Fatal Shooting
Kazumba, armed with an illegal handgun, fired approximately 15 shots at Henry-Robinson and others he mistakenly believed were planning to kill a Regent Park rapper. The victim was struck in the chest and back and died at the scene. The judge described the act as 'senseless and impulsive.'
Self-Defence Claim Rejected
During the trial, Kazumba testified that he acted in self-defence, claiming he heard Henry-Robinson say, 'I'm gonna smoke you.' However, Superior Court Justice Andras Schreck ruled that the fear was 'unfounded and unreasonable.' The jury rejected the self-defence argument, convicting Kazumba of second-degree murder and unlawful possession of a loaded restricted firearm.
Background and Aftermath
Kazumba, a father and musician who had performed at the Junos, had no prior criminal record. He claimed he purchased the gun after receiving threats following the murder of a friend's brother. The judge noted that the case highlights the dangers of illegal handguns in Toronto. Two weapons used in the gunfight remain unrecovered. Co-accused Thulani Moncrieffe-Belmar was acquitted of reckless discharge but convicted of firearm possession and awaits sentencing.
