A 14-year-old boy, Kelyan Bokassa, was tragically killed after being stabbed 27 times by two assailants wielding “lengthy machetes” during a violent attack on a London bus. The incident, which occurred on 7 January, left the local community in shock and sorrow as Kelyan was on his way home from school in Woolwich, south-east London.
The attack took place on the Route 472 bus on Woolwich Church Street at around 14:30 GMT. Kelyan, who was sitting at the back of the bus, became the target of the vicious assault when two teenage boys, aged 15 and 16, armed with machetes, launched a relentless attack. Prosecutor Tom Little KC revealed that despite the immediate efforts of the bus driver and passengers to intervene and prevent further harm, Kelyan suffered multiple stab wounds, ultimately resulting in his death.
Emergency services were quickly called to the scene, and paramedics performed all possible measures to try and save Kelyan’s life. However, the young boy was pronounced dead shortly after the attack. His family, deeply affected by the tragedy, attended the court proceedings where the two accused teens were charged with his murder.
The two suspects, aged 15 and 16, appeared in court via separate methods. The 15-year-old defendant appeared by videolink from Feltham Young Offender Institution, speaking only to confirm his identity. The 16-year-old appeared in the dock, also confirming his identity in the short hearing.
Judge Lucraft set the case timetable, with a plea hearing scheduled for 14 April, and a provisional trial date set for 13 October. Both defendants were remanded into custody pending further proceedings. The victim’s family was visibly present in the court, grieving the loss of Kelyan, who had so violently lost his life at such a young age.
Following the attack, police launched an extensive investigation into the events surrounding Kelyan’s murder. They have since arrested and charged the two suspects, who now face serious criminal charges. The exact motive for the attack is still under investigation, but the brutal nature of the assault has left many in the local community and beyond deeply concerned about rising knife crime and violence among young people in London.
This incident highlights the ongoing issue of knife crime, which has been a growing concern in the UK. The tragic death of Kelyan Bokassa serves as a stark reminder of the devastating consequences of youth violence and the dangers posed by illegal weapons. Efforts to address knife crime and prevent further tragedies are now more crucial than ever, with community leaders, law enforcement, and educators calling for stronger interventions to protect young people from such deadly encounters.
As the legal process moves forward, many will continue to follow the case, hoping for justice for Kelyan and a renewed focus on preventing similar acts of violence in the future.
