Stricter Knife Laws Inspired by Teen’s Tragic Death Aim to Curb Rising Knife Crime
The tragic loss of 16-year-old Ronan Kanda, who was fatally stabbed in a case of mistaken identity, has become the driving force behind new legislation aimed at tightening the sale and distribution of knives in the UK. Known as Ronan’s Law, the measures seek to address the alarming ease with which young people can access dangerous weapons online. Ronan’s sister, Nikita Kanda, has been a vocal advocate for these changes, describing her brother as the “light of our life” and emphasizing the need for stricter accountability in the sale of knives.
Ronan’s murder in June 2022 shocked his community and exposed glaring loopholes in the system. His attacker, a fellow 16-year-old, had purchased a 22-inch ninja sword online using his mother’s identification, bypassing any age verification checks. Over several months, the assailant had acquired nearly 30 knives and machetes through similar means. Nikita recounted how her brother’s killer faced no obstacles in collecting the weapon from a local post office, highlighting the lack of oversight in the process.
The new legislation, set to take effect this spring, introduces several critical changes. Retailers across England and Wales will now be required to report bulk or suspicious knife purchases to the police. The penalty for selling weapons to minors will increase from six months to two years in prison. Additionally, a dedicated policing unit, backed by £1 million in funding, will monitor social media platforms for illegal weapon sales. Ronan’s mother, Pooja Kanda, has been at the forefront of the campaign for these reforms, stating that the online sale of bladed weapons played a pivotal role in her son’s death.
Pooja believes that had these measures been in place earlier, her son might still be alive. She described the new laws as a “much-needed beginning” but stressed that more must be done to tackle the root causes of knife crime. The legislation also includes stricter identity checks at points of sale and delivery, a new offense of “possession with violent intent” carrying a four-year prison sentence, and a consultation on licensing for online knife sellers. These changes aim to shift the focus from mere possession to the broader issue of weapon supply.
The government’s efforts have been praised by law enforcement officials, who note the absurdity of current regulations. Commander Stephen Clayman, who led a review into online knife sales, pointed out that it is often easier to buy a knife than paracetamol. Social media platforms, too, will face greater scrutiny, as they have been used to market and sell knives covertly. The hope is that these measures will prevent tragedies like Ronan’s and reduce the devastating impact of knife crime on families and communities across the UK.
As Ronan’s family continues to honor his memory, they remain committed to ensuring that his death serves as a catalyst for lasting change. While the new laws represent a significant step forward, they also underscore the need for ongoing efforts to address the complex social issues that fuel knife crime. For Pooja and Nikita, Ronan’s legacy is a beacon of hope in the fight for a safer future.