Belly Mujinga death: No further action after Victoria station worker dies with coronavirus 'after spitting incident'

Belly Mujinga, 47, died of coronavirus after being spat at while on duty
PA
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No further action will be taken after a ticket office worker died with coronavirus after allegedly being spat out while on duty at London's Victoria Station, British Transport Police (BTP) has confirmed.

The force came to the decision following “extensive enquiries” by detectives, they announced on Friday.

Belly Mujinga, 47, was on the station concourse in March when a member of the public claiming to have Covid-19 spat and coughed at her and a colleague, the Transport Salaried Staffs Association (TSSA) said earlier this month.

Within days of the assault, both women fell ill with the virus.

Ms Mujinga, who had underlying respiratory problems, was admitted to Barnet Hospital and died on April 5.

Belly Mujinga, 47, died of coronavirus days after the alleged incident
PA

However, in a statement, the BTP said that following a "full and thorough investigation" it deemed that the "tragic death of Belly Mujinga was not a consequence of this incident."

The statement read: “On 11 May, it was reported to BTP that a 47-year-old lady, Belly Mujinga, had been spat and coughed at while working in the ticket hall with two colleagues on 21 March.

“Very sadly, she died on 5 April in hospital, having tested positive for coronavirus.

“Detectives have conducted extensive inquiries to establish the full circumstances of what happened on 21 March.

“This has involved reviewing CCTV footage of the incident and speaking to key witnesses.

“Following a review of all the information, senior detectives have concluded that there is no evidence to substantiate any criminal offences having taken place, and that the tragic death of Belly Mujinga was not a consequence of this incident.

“As a result, the matter will not be referred to the Crown Prosecution Service.

“No further action will be taken against a 57-year-old man from London who was interviewed in connection with this matter.

“Belly’s family have been informed about the result of the investigation and will continue to be supported by specialist officers.”

Detective Chief Inspector Sam Blackburn said: “I know the loss of Belly has moved so many people, and I can assure you we have done everything we can to provide answers for her family.

“As a result of our inquiries, we can now be confident that this incident did not lead to Belly’s tragic death.

“Our thoughts remain with her family and we will continue to support them as they come to terms with the loss of their much-loved mother and wife.”

Ms Mujinga, 47 left behind a loving husband and 11-year-old daughter 
PA

More than 249,000 people previously signed a change.org petition, seeking justice for Ms Mujinga's family, whose trade union, the Transport Salaried Staffs’ Association (TSSA) received messages from across the UK and countries including the US and Germany.

Her husband Lusamba​ Gode Katalay said the family had been touched by the kindness and good wishes sent from all over the world.

He said: “It was terrible what happened to Belly.

“She was scared by what happened to her at work and then she was so terribly ill with the virus.

“Some days I wake up and I forget she’s not with us, and then we start grieving all over again, and we are just one family out of thousands in that place.

“Thank you for highlighting the problems that vulnerable people have, people like Belly who had a respiratory health problem and the need for PPE (personal protective equipment).

“We can’t change what happened to Belly, but we can try to ensure that her colleagues are better protected than she was.”

Following the BTP's announcement, Mr Katalay said: “The police came and told me the CCTV does not prove anything.

“I do not know how strong I am to hear that. It is very sad for us.”

Asked whether he felt he would be able to get justice for his wife, Mr Katalay said: “I need to speak more with my family first.”

Ms Mujinga's devastated daughter Ingrid was unable to say goodbye to her 
PA

Meanwhile, Angie Doll, managing director of Southern Railway and Gatwick Express, responded to the decision saying: “While we note the BTP’s conclusions, this does not detract from the tragic loss of our colleague.

“Belly worked at Victoria for nine years and was a very friendly and well-liked member of our team who we sorely miss.

“Our heart goes out to her husband and daughter, who we continue to offer support to at this difficult time.

“Everyone on the railway is doing an incredible job helping healthcare professionals and other key workers to get to work at a challenging time.

“We are devastated that this pandemic has affected people across the transport industry, including two of our own colleagues who have sadly passed away due to coronavirus.

“We continue to do all we can to protect our extraordinary colleagues, who are key workers themselves, as the country focuses on defeating this terrible illness together.”

Rail Minister Chris Heaton-Harris said: “My thoughts remain with the family and loved ones of Belly Mujinga at this wrenching time, as well as with her colleagues and all critical workers on the railway and across the UK.

“This outcome does nothing to change the fact that all workers should be treated with compassion and respect, as we see out this crisis as a country and into the future.

“We will continue working to protect our frontline transport workers, who are playing a vital role in supporting passengers and keeping our country moving.”

Manuel Cortes, general secretary of the TSSA, said: “We are pleased that the British Transport Police investigated this incident as it sends a very strong message that abuse and attacks directed at transport workers are always unacceptable.

“We hope that the ORR’s health and safety investigation, which is ongoing, will help to establish more facts about this case and put in place clear guidance on protecting rail workers from this killer virus.

“What is clear is that protective equipment is absolutely vital to protect frontline workers like Belly. All transport workers on the front line should have access to masks, visors, hand sanitiser and other protective equipment.

“Our thoughts and support remain with Belly’s family and her colleagues throughout this time."

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