Family of Teen Murdered in Knife Attack Launches Hard-Hitting Anti-Knife Campaign
Heartbroken Family Takes on Knife Crime
The devastated family of 16-year-old stabbing victim Ronan Kanda has teamed up with West Midlands Police to fight back against knife crime. Their powerful new campaign, #lifeorknife, hits out at young people, exposing the hidden toll knives take—not just on the victims, but the attackers and their loved ones too.
Campaign Targets Teens with Emotional Video Appeal
Designed for 13 to 18-year-olds, the campaign features raw video interviews with Ronan’s sister, Nikita Kanda. Determined to spread awareness of the far-reaching damage caused by knife crime, Nikita urges young people to speak up if they suspect friends are carrying blades. The videos will flood social media platforms including TikTok, Instagram, and Facebook.
Fatal Mistaken Identity Sparks Tragedy
On 29 June 2022, Ronan was stabbed in the back with a 20-inch ninja sword just steps from his front door. The attacker, another 16-year-old, had mistaken Ronan for someone else—a brutal reminder of the senselessness behind this horrific crime.
Following the stabbing, the two killers were convicted of murder and handed life sentences, shattering not only Ronan’s family but their own forever.
“They Gained Nothing but Ruined Lives”
“If you asked those two boys what they gained from it, they’d say they gained nothing. And they ruined their lives. And they ruined their families’ lives. And they’ve absolutely destroyed our lives,”
said Nikita, collaborating closely with West Midlands Police on the campaign. She added: “The futility of irreversibly ruining lives forever within a split second is not uppermost in the minds of most teenagers—but it should be.”
Campaign Ties in With Operation Sceptre
The #lifeorknife initiative launched in November to coincide with Operation Sceptre, a nationwide crackdown on knife crime. The week of action focuses on removing weapons from the streets and warning young people of the deadly risks carrying blades poses.
Got info on someone carrying a knife? Stay safe and speak out anonymously. Call 0800 555111 to report to West Midlands Police.
