The mother of Kelyan Bokassa, a 14-year-old boy fatally stabbed on a bus in south-east London, has revealed her long-standing fears about her son’s safety due to gang grooming, which began when he was just six years old.
Kelyan was attacked on a 472 double-decker bus on Woolwich Church Street on Tuesday afternoon, succumbing to his injuries shortly after.
Police have yet to make any arrests but confirmed they are “working at pace” to bring those responsible to justice.
In an emotional interview, Kelyan’s mother, Mary Bokassa, expressed heartbreak but not shock over her son’s death.
“I feel hurt because I tried to prevent it,” she told the BBC. “I screamed…And I’m sure next week there will be another one.”
Mary shared how her son felt trapped in a life dictated by gang control, believing it was the only form of protection available.
“He would scream, ‘Do you want me to get stabbed? If you say anything, I will get stabbed, mom,'” she recounted, stressing how secrecy and fear consumed Kelyan’s life.
Authorities continue their investigation into the incident, urging anyone with information to come forward.
Meanwhile, the tragedy highlights ongoing concerns about gang influence and youth violence in London.
