Two teenagers recently pleaded guilty to the murder of Kelyan Bokassa, a 14-year-old boy, in a shocking incident that unfolded on a bus in Woolwich, south-east London. The crime, characterized by its brutal nature, involved the victim being attacked with machetes as he traveled home on a route 472 bus on January 7. This tragic event has left a profound impact on the community, showcasing the escalating issue of knife crime in urban areas.
During a hearing at the Old Bailey, the two defendants, aged 16 and prohibited from being named due to their minor status, also admitted to carrying blades at the time of the attack. This acknowledgment highlights the serious nature of their offenses, which have drawn attention not only due to the violence involved but also the premeditated aspect of the crime. The judge has scheduled a sentencing hearing for July 25, prompting a thorough examination of the circumstances and motivations that led to this heinous act.
Emergency services rushed to the scene on Woolwich Church Street, close to Woolwich Ferry, shortly before 2:30 PM GMT, but Kelyan was found with a severed femoral artery and succumbed to his injuries shortly after help arrived. The initial police response included a public appeal for information, during which Scotland Yard released CCTV footage featuring the two suspects, soliciting assistance from the public in identifying them.
Inside the courtroom, the emotional weight of the proceedings was palpable. Kelyan’s mother was heard sobbing as the pleas were entered, while other family members expressed their distress just meters away from the defendants. This courtroom scene illustrated the devastating personal toll that violent crime exacts on families and communities.
In the courtroom, as prosecution barrister Tom Little KC explained, the attack was anything but spontaneous. He detailed how Kelyan was seated at the back of the upper deck of the bus and was approached directly by the two assailants, who were armed with excessively long machetes. It was indicated that the pair had foreknowledge that Kelyan would likely be on the bus that day, raising questions about the motivations behind the attack. Little emphasized the premeditated intent as he recounted how, upon approaching their target, the defendants simultaneously drew their weapons and attacked without hesitation, inflicting 27 stab wounds before fleeing the bus.
After the assault, one of the machetes was disposed of in the River Thames, although it was later recovered by authorities, adding further evidence to the investigation. Judge Mark Lucraft KC indicated at the hearing that he would consider a media application to lift the reporting restrictions currently in place regarding the identities of the defendants during their forthcoming sentencing hearing.
Tragically, Kelyan Bokassa was noted as the first teenager to fall victim to knife crime in London in 2025, underscoring a disturbing trend that has seen an alarming rise in youth violence involving weapons in urban environments. The case highlights the urgent need for addressing the pervasive issue of knife crime and finding solutions to prevent such incidents from occurring in the future.
This incident serves as a stark reminder of the responsibilities society has towards its youth and the grave implications of violence that ensnares young lives. The community’s response and the legal proceedings that follow will play a significant role in how this tragedy is perceived and addressed going forward, as families grapple with profound loss and the mechanisms of justice seek to provide answers and closure. The continuing conversation surrounding youth violence, crime prevention, and community safety is more critical than ever, as authorities strive to create a safer environment for future generations.