Pooja Kanda, whose 16-year-old son Ronan was stabbed to death with a ninja sword in 2022, has welcomed a new ban on such weapons that comes into force today. The ban makes it illegal to possess ninja swords in England and Wales, closing a loophole that allowed them to be bought online with minimal checks.
Ronan was attacked as he walked home in Wolverhampton in June 2022 in a case of mistaken identity. His killers, both teenagers, had purchased the 20-inch blade and a machete online. At their trial, Pooja learned how easily the weapons were obtained. 'When I left that courtroom I just didn't know how it was happening. It was a shock to my whole system,' she said.
Pooja has campaigned tirelessly for stricter laws, leading to the ban and further measures under 'Ronan's Law', including mandatory two-step age checks for blade purchases and tougher sentences for selling knives to under-16s. A new offence of possessing an offensive weapon with intent for violence will carry up to four years in jail.
Pooja, awarded an OBE in the King's birthday honours, called on those still holding ninja swords to 'do the right thing' and surrender them. 'There is no reason for these weapons. This is not a kitchen knife, there is no sense of purpose,' she said. 'This is a strong step forward, but there are many more to take.'
