Reform councillor Tuli Zefi intervened in a violent disorder on Market Street, Oldbury, on July 2, 2026, and provided first aid to a 19-year-old victim who had been stabbed. The councillor, who represents Langley Ward, was on his way to Sandwell Council House when he witnessed the incident.
Winding down his car window, Cllr Zefi shouted at the group to 'pack it in,' causing them to flee and leave the injured teenager behind. Upon approaching the young man, the councillor realized he had been stabbed and immediately took action.
Councillor's Response and First Aid
Cllr Zefi stayed with the victim, tried to stop the bleeding, and kept talking to him to provide reassurance until emergency services arrived. The victim was taken to hospital in a life-threatening condition and was undergoing surgery at the time of the report.
Documenting his experience on social media, Cllr Zefi said: 'Today, on my way to the Council House, I witnessed something that no one should ever have to see. At first, I thought a group of young lads were just messing around. I wound my window down and shouted for them to pack it in. A group of them ran off, and when I asked the remaining young man if he was okay, he told me he thought he'd been stabbed. I got out of my car, saw the injury, and did what I could to help until the ambulance arrived.'
Call to Tackle Knife Crime
The councillor expressed deep concern over knife crime, stating that 'no argument is ever worth a life.' He reflected on societal changes, noting that disagreements in his youth often led to minor injuries, whereas now they frequently involve knives. 'Knife crime is destroying lives. It devastates victims, tears families apart, and ruins the futures of those who carry knives as well. Nobody wins. A split-second decision can leave one family grieving and another living with the consequences forever,' he said.
Cllr Zefi urged stronger action to tackle knife crime while emphasizing support for young people: 'We need stronger action to tackle knife crime, but we also need to support our young people, give them hope, opportunities, and teach them that no argument is ever worth taking a life.'
Appeal for Information
Police are investigating the incident. Anyone with information is asked to call 101 quoting incident number 2404 of 2 July, or make an anonymous report to Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.
