Dramatic Arrest of Croydon Shotgun Attacker: Armed Police Capture Suspect in New Addington Revenge Ambush

Three men, including two brothers from Croydon, have been sentenced to a total of 44 years in prison following a violent revenge attack involving a sawn-off double-barrelled shotgun in New Addington. The coordinated assault was executed after the victim, a man in his 30s, had confronted one of the assailants just moments prior.

Details of the Attack

The incident unfolded one evening in May 2025, when the victim was standing next to his parked car on Walsh Crescent. A black saloon car approached, and Tevin Nzita, one of the passengers, exited the vehicle and discharged the firearm twice at close range. Fortunately, the victim managed to leap into the driver’s seat just before the first shot shattered the windscreen, narrowly missing him. Nzita then circled the car and fired a second shot through the driver’s window, striking the victim in the chest.

Despite sustaining serious injuries, the victim was able to make his way to a nearby hospital before police arrived at the scene. Authorities quickly secured the area, while detectives began their investigation. A mobile phone was recovered from the victim’s car, revealing footage of the earlier confrontation with Nzita just ten minutes before the shooting took place.

Investigation and Arrests

Within hours, detectives identified Nzita as the suspected gunman and established that the shooting was a targeted retaliation. The investigation revealed that Nzita fired the shotgun, while Anthony Da Sousa drove the getaway car, with his brother Christopher Da Sousa playing a crucial role in locating the victim and assisting in the attack’s planning. Phone records indicated that the defendants were in communication at critical times surrounding the incident, and location data confirmed their presence at significant locations.

Detectives traced the saloon car to Old Coulsdon, approximately six miles from the shooting site, where it had been hidden under a cover. Evidence suggested that Anthony Da Sousa had arranged for repairs to the vehicle and had fitted cloned number plates.

Legal Proceedings and Sentencing

Detective Constable John Davis, who led the investigation, remarked on the severity of the attack, highlighting the potential risk to innocent bystanders in a residential area. He stated, “The offenders acted together to locate the victim, track his movements and carry out a planned shooting using a sawn-off shotgun capable of killing. Their actions showed a complete disregard for human life.”

All three men were convicted at Woolwich Crown Court on June 4. Tevin Nzita was found guilty of attempted murder, while Anthony Da Sousa was convicted of wounding with intent, and both were also charged with possession of a firearm and ammunition with intent to endanger life. Christopher Da Sousa was convicted of encouraging or assisting the commission of offences.

On July 23, the court imposed the following sentences: Tevin Nzita, 29, of Warbank Crescent, New Addington, received a 25-year prison term; Anthony Da Sousa, 30, of Station Approach, Coulsdon, was sentenced to 15 years; and Christopher Da Sousa, 27, of Mickleham Way, New Addington, was given a four-year sentence.

The Metropolitan Police continue to focus their efforts on combating gun crime, with significant reductions in firearms discharges noted since 2018.