Knife crime tragedy- the voice of a grieving friend

It’s no secret that the UK has seen an alarming increase of knife crime cases within the last few years, some of the main causes of this increase has been attributed to a variety of factors, including poverty, gang culture, and a lack of resources for young people. While the victims of this crime often get the most attention, it is important to remember that their families and friends are also affected.

On November 5, 2020, a 16-year-old boy was murdered during an altercation in Manchester. The incident occurred due to a conflict between gangs within the area.

Picture: Wix free media

After the incident, reports on the case were centred around the issue of gangs and violence rather than the how the family and friends of the victim were dealing with the situation.

Prince Zola, a close friend of the victim said “Getting the news that my friend died was the worst thing I’ve ever heard.

“It's not just that he died but it’s the way he did. We all knew about the severity of knife crime, but never did we think we would be in a situation where it could take one of our lives.”

When a loved one is a victim of a knife crime tragedy, the family and friends are often left with an immense feeling of loss, anger and confusion. They may struggle to come to terms with their loved one’s situation and may even feel responsible for their death.

“It’s only now that we can all say that all this beefing with other gangs and getting violent isn't worth it, we could have prevented his death if we weren't so caught up in the street life, but we let it get too far and now my friend is dead”, said Zola.

Friends and family of victims of knife crime may have their own opinions about the crime and its victims. These opinions may be based on their own personal experience, or on things they have seen in the media or heard in the community. It is important to remember that these opinions are valid and should be respected.

“The news reported it like it was just another tragic killing of a black boy that was involved with gangs, yes that’s what it was but we have the opportunity to change what it means for everyone else.

Now, we need to really try and get the message out to the rest of the young boys in Manchester who are still involving themselves with gangs that at the end of the day, all this street stuff is just not worth it.”

People who have lost a loved one in a knife crime incident are often left to pick up the pieces of their lives. They are the ones who must try to move on after their loss, while dealing with the fact that their loved one has been taken away from them in such a tragic way. It is important to provide them with the necessary support and resources to help them cope with their loss and move forward.

“It's been nearly 3 years since his death and we’re still grieving. One way we’re coping is making sure that we as his friends and family members are keeping his name alive, we talk and reminisce about him whenever we get together.

“I don’t know if we’ll ever heal from this but all we can do is spread work hard to support each other and keep spreading anti knife crime messages all over the city, that’s what he would have wanted.”

Knife crime affects the victims, but also those who are close to them. Providing the necessary resources and showing support to those affected will help them heal.