Sister of Stabbed Teen Welcomes ‘Ronan’s Law’ as Ban on Ninja Swords Takes Effect

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A new UK law banning the possession, sale, manufacture, or import of ninja swords came into force today, marking the final phase of anti-knife crime legislation introduced in memory of 16-year-old Ronan Kanda. Ronan was fatally stabbed near his home in Wolverhampton in June 2022 with a 20-inch ninja-style sword in a tragic case of mistaken identity.

The legislation, known as Ronan’s Law, introduces stricter penalties for the sale of knives and offensive weapons, including zombie-style blades. Under the law, the maximum sentence for selling weapons to individuals under 18 rises from six months to up to two years. The law applies not only to the seller but also to company directors, aiming to hold all parties accountable.

Ronan’s sister, Nikita Kanda, spoke to Metro, calling the new measures a “bittersweet” achievement. “The fact that Ronan’s name is now going to be a law—and not just any law, but a law that’s going to protect future children—what a legacy to have,” she said. “However, it doesn’t bring him back… that’s the bitter moment.”

Nikita described the past three years since her brother’s death as the worst of her life. “He wasn’t involved in gangs or knife crime,” she said. “He wasn’t who you’d associate with that world. Losing him the way we did absolutely tore our world apart. If this can happen to him, it can happen to anyone.”

She acknowledged the UK’s ongoing knife crime crisis, saying many families live in fear for their children’s safety. “There’s no single solution to knife crime,” she added. “But we must try every route. Ronan deserved better, and so do other children.”

The law is part of the wider Crime and Policing Bill, which also introduces a new offence: possessing an offensive weapon with intent to cause violence, carrying a sentence of up to four years in prison.

Nikita is now advocating for further action, including a licensing system to control the sale of knives still legally available. A recent review found that online age verification remains a “huge vulnerability.” During the trial of Ronan’s killers, one teenager was found to have purchased over 20 knives online, including using his mother’s identification.

Reflecting on her brother’s legacy, Nikita said: “I’m so sorry it took your life to bring about something that should have been obvious—that these weapons shouldn’t be sold or manufactured.”