Sat Sep 21 11:24:00 UTC 2024: ## Government Bans Zombie Knives, But Mother of Stabbed Boy Calls for Broader Action
**LONDON, UK** – The UK government has finally outlawed zombie knives in England and Wales, effective from Tuesday, September 24th. The move comes three years after 15-year-old Tamim Habimana was fatally stabbed with a knife while walking home from school in Woolwich.
While welcoming the ban, Tamim’s mother, Hawa Haragazika, expressed frustration and a sense of disrespect from authorities. She argued that the ban on zombie knives is insufficient, as any weapon can be deadly. “It shouldn’t be only zombie knives, first of all,” she stated. “Any weapon can kill someone.”
The government’s previous attempt to ban zombie knives in 2016 was criticized for its narrow drafting, leaving loopholes that allowed dangerous weapons to remain accessible. The revised law now bans knives with blades longer than eight inches that also have specific features like serrations or skull-shaped handles.
Authorities are urging the public to surrender any illegal knives at local police stations through a newly launched amnesty scheme. While acknowledging the ban won’t single-handedly solve knife crime, police and crime commissioner Simon Foster stressed its importance in reducing the availability of these dangerous weapons.
However, concerns remain about the ban’s effectiveness. Patrick Green, CEO of the Ben Kinsella Trust, expressed fear that the ban could merely shift the problem to other weapons, like ninja swords, which are still readily available. The government has acknowledged these concerns and plans to ban ninja swords and crack down on online knife sales.
The ban on zombie knives is only a small step in addressing the complex issue of knife crime. While the government has pledged to further tackle the issue, advocates urge comprehensive solutions that address the root causes of violence, including poverty, social deprivation, and gang culture.
First Piper 