A teenager tragically lost his life in Wolverhampton after being stabbed by a perpetrator wielding a menacing zombie knife. Ronan Kanda, 16, was fatally attacked near his residence while visiting a friend to purchase a PlayStation controller in June 2022. The assailants, who had recently acquired knives online, mistakenly targeted Ronan, believing him to be his friend.
The disturbing incident involving Ronan is showcased in an episode of 24 Hours in Police Custody, where law enforcement officers confiscated numerous lethal knives and machetes from siblings Adam and Eddy Eliaz. These siblings, identified as businessmen, were exposed by Mirror for legally importing and distributing dangerous blades that were later used in various criminal activities, including Ronan’s murder.
It was revealed that the Eliaz brothers profited significantly by selling these weapons, with claims exceeding £360,000 when they surrendered their stock upon the prohibition of zombie knives in 2024. The knives sold by their companies have been connected to at least seven fatal incidents, involving individuals under 18 years old.
Expressing her anguish, Ronan’s sister Nikita condemned Adam Eliaz for his role in her brother’s death, emphasizing that he had financially gained from the tragedy. A clip from Junior Apprentice featuring Eliaz, where he expressed his strong inclination towards making money, was also highlighted in the program, drawing parallels to his actions in real-life scenarios.
Detective Inspector Ade George, who led the investigation into Ronan’s murder, criticized the lack of accountability displayed by the Eliaz brothers and their company, stressing the severe consequences of selling weapons that are later used in violent crimes. The Channel 4 documentary further delves into the tragic case of Ashraf Habimana, a 16-year-old who fell victim to a fatal stabbing with a zombie knife in Luton in September 2024.
The heart-wrenching scenes captured in the documentary show Ashraf’s desperate plea for survival as his mother, Fiona Namusoke, faced the unbearable reality of losing her son. The medical team described Ashraf’s injuries as among the most severe they had encountered, emphasizing the devastating impact of the vicious attack.
Subsequent court proceedings revealed the sentences handed down to the perpetrators involved in these brutal crimes, with individuals like Athif Hussaindeen and Althaf Hussaindeen facing substantial custodial terms for their roles in Ashraf’s murder. The Eliaz brothers, Adam and Eddy, who operated businesses dealing with these lethal weapons, came under scrutiny for their actions, despite claiming adherence to UK laws at the time of sale.
In response to the accusations, DNA Leisure, a company associated with Adam Eliaz, denied promoting their products as weapons and emphasized the legal compliance of their operations. The documentary sheds light on the alarming prevalence of zombie knives and the devastating consequences they bring, urging for stricter regulations and accountability within the industry.
Witness the investigative report on Zombie Knives in the upcoming broadcast of “24 Hours in Police Custody Investigates: Zombie Knives” on Channel 4, scheduled for Tuesday at 9 pm.