GreenwichNews

“The pain is unbearable”: Mother of teenager stabbed to death speaks out a year after death

The mother of Tamim Ian Habimana paid a hugely moving tribute to her son at a special commemoration event marking a year since he was stabbed to death in Woolwich on his way home from school.

On Saturday, Hawa Haragakiza, who is launching a new grass roots charity in Tamim’s memory, spoke of the never-ending grief felt since July 5 last year when her son was taken from her. He would have turned 16 this year. 

Tamim’s Legacy will work across all corners of the community to tackle youth knife crime, putting teenagers at the heart of the conversation. 

She said: “It’s been a year since my son Tamim was murdered in Woolwich Town Centre. The pain is unbearable.  

“But the support that I have received from all backgrounds – communities, leaders, and faith leaders, has been massive. I can’t thank you enough. Now my focus is to make a change with Tamim’s Legacy.” 

Joining Hawa were three other mothers who had recently lost their sons to knife crime, and who all spoke movingly about their pain and grief. 

A plaque was unveiled next to a newly-planted tree stating: “Today, tomorrow, our whole lives we will always remember you.”

Also present at the commemoration were Greenwich council leader Anthony Okereke, Sophie Linden, deputy mayor of London for Policing and Crime, and Clive Efford, MP for Eltham, who all pledged to use their platform to support work against serious youth violence.  

Hawa and her sons Tarek and Taseen plant Tamim’s memorial tree in General Gordon Square, Woolwich (Picture: RB Greenwich)

Cllr Okereke said: “From this heartbreaking ordeal, Hawa has shown incredible courage and determination to stop knife crime by founding Tamim’s Legacy. We share this determination with Hawa and will do whatever we can to support the campaign.” 

Also in attendance to pay tribute were councillors Adel Khaireh, Ann-Marie Cousins, Ivis Williams Finance, and Matt Morrow, who is cabinet member for Children and Young People. 

As part of the council’s commitment to tackle youth violence, it has recently signed up to a new anti-knife crime initiative from SHiFT, a youth justice organisation, which has worked with some of the most vulnerable children, targeting deep-rooted issues such as county line drug running, knife crime and repeat exclusions from school.

Cllr Morrow said: “I want to thank Hawa for her incredible bravery and dedication to her son.

“Far too many young lives like Tamim’s are lost to serious youth violence, and schemes like SHiFT and Tamim’s Legacy will be important if we are serious about tackling the causes of these devastating crimes.”

Cllr Ann-Marie Cousins, cabinet member for Community Safety and Enforcement, added: “Tamim’s murder remains a stark reminder of the impact knife crime has on families and the wider community.

“Tamim’s Legacy will work with the people who are most affected by these atrocities, and I look forward to supporting this cause as we strive to positively engage young people and unite as a community against knife and other crimes.” 

Main Picture: Hawa Haragakiza (centre) with supporters, friends and family at the memorial; (Picture: RB Greenwich)

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