The mother of ‘murdered’ 14-year-old schoolboy Kelyan Bokassa has made a heartbreaking four-word demand following her son’s killing. Mary Bokassa, 50, said simply: “This has to stop”.
A tearful Mary visited the scene where her son died on Woolwich Church Street just 48 hours before. Paramedics had tried to save his life following his fatal stabbing on the 472 bus on Tuesday, January 7 at 2.30pm.
No arrests have been made in connection with the killing. As police carried on the hunt for Kelyan’s killers, Mary, 50, told the Mirror: “It’s really hard, but I wanted to come here. It’s nice that so many people are saying positive things about my son. These black people who die on the streets, it’s not fair, this has to stop.”
14-year-old student Kelyan Bokassa was stabbed to death on a London bus in Woolwich on Tuesday afternoon
(Image: The Mirror)
Mary added: “It makes me think about what’s going on in the world. And this is where he became an inspiring rapper because he had no other options. He was not given any other opportunities. He was using rap to express his anger. He was using this to cope with his anger. I understand he was angry because of what he went through. The care system just completely broke him.
“He was taken to care and when he came back from care, all his passion, what he loved the most, had been removed from him, from his identity. He was a child who was literally lost.”
People were seen leaving floral tributes at the scene where Kelyan Bokassa, 14, was killed
(Image: Jordan Pettitt/PA Wire)
Mary, who came to the UK from the Central African Republic, looked at the notes left for her about her son. One read: “To a mother from a mother, I am so saddened by the death of your son. Words cannot do justice for the pain you must be feeling. He was taken from the world so cruelly and way too soon. I met your son on a couple of occasions and he left a lasting impression as he was respectful with beautiful manners.
“He got extra pizza than everyone else because he was so helpful and pleasant. It was a pleasure meeting your young man. Natalie (Shyla and Renee’s mum).” Another read: “Shine bright young man, forever remember your good manners. You were a talented young man and never reached your potential. May you rest in peace. Renee and mum.”
Mary said Kelyan was groomed by gangs
(Image: Daily Mirror)
Kelyan was an aspiring drill rapper who went by the name Grippa. Hours before his death, he made an Instagram post asking his followers for a “Mindy” – a slang term for a knife. A disgraceful set of lyrics were posted online, boasting about the killing after tributes flooded in online.
The lyrics went: “Caught Grippa lackin’ on the 472. Blade in my coat, it’s do or die. He tried jumping off, but the doors don’t slide, hah. Now he’s sittin’ there stiff with the fear in his eyes.”
Get the top stories from across London directly to your inbox. Sign up for MyLondon’s The 12 HERE to get the biggest stories every day