Following the death of transport employee Belly Mujinga final 12 months from Covid-19, after allegedly being spat on by a buyer at London Victoria station, her household are calling for the police to release the name of the suspect in the incident.
Mujinga, 47, was reportedly coughed on by a buyer who claimed he had Covid-19 whereas she was working at the prepare station in March 2020.
British Transport Police (BTP) investigated the incident however mentioned there was not sufficient proof to carry prices in opposition to the suspect, as DNA proof was inconclusive.
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The BTP mentioned that they spoke to a 57-year-old man in the course of their investigation however concluded that Mujinga’s death didn’t happen in consequence of the alleged coughing incident.
The Crown Prosecution Service reviewed the proof however declined to carry prices in opposition to the man as CCTV footage and witness statements didn’t present proof of a legal offence.
A Covid-19 take a look at on 25 March confirmed that he didn’t have the virus.
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Her household’s lawyer mentioned that they’ve been prevented from launching a non-public prosecution or civil declare in opposition to the suspect as the BTP have refused to name the suspect.
Lawrence Davies, the household lawyer, mentioned that he was being ‘stonewalled’ by the police and had been in search of the suspect’s name so they may take into account suing him for harassment and assault.
An investigation by BBC Panorama raised questions on the inquiries carried out by each Govia Thameslink Railway, Mujinga’s employer, and the BTP, main to friends and MPs writing to Prime Minister Boris Johnson to demand a public inquiry into her death.
The household are additionally contemplating a civil declare in opposition to Mujinga’s employer, Mr. Davies defined.
Yesterday (April 5), a vigil was held at London Victoria to make the one-year anniversary of her death. Sonali Bhattacharyya, from the Justice for Belly marketing campaign group, advised BBC News: “Her household… nonetheless anticipate justice.”
Belly Mujinga was on the concourse of London’s Victoria station when a member of the public who mentioned he had Covid-19 spat and coughed at her and a colleague
(Image: ISABEL INFANTES/AFP through Getty Images)
The BTP despatched an announcement to MyLondon, commenting on this matter: “As a police power we now have to take into account the security and safety of the particular person involved, in addition to the Data Protection Act which restricts the sharing of private information gathered as half of a legal investigation.
“Consequently and as per nationwide policing tips, we’d solely release somebody’s name in the public area if and when legal prices have been introduced in opposition to them.
“In this case following consideration of the proof, interview below warning and subsequent overview by the Crown Prosecution Service no additional motion was taken in opposition to them.
“While our ideas proceed to be with Belly’s household and buddies, it’s also not inside the remit of the police to help the public in their pursuit of civil cures. Moreover, the matter has now been remitted to Her Majesty’s Coroner for consideration.”
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Govia Thameslink Railway mentioned: “Belly labored for us for 10 years and was a devoted and much-loved member of the staff at Victoria station. The railway is a big household and we stay heartbroken by her loss, and the loss of all transport staff who’ve handed away due to Covid-19.
“Our ideas stay with Belly’s household and colleagues, who we proceed to supply our assist and condolences.”
