Police say no one spat at train ticket inspector who died of coronavirus

Police confirmed no action will be taken over the death of a rail worker who died after no evidence of someone spitting was found.

Belly Mujinga, 47, died last month – a few weeks after the incident involving a male passenger at London‘s Victoria Station. 

Her death leaves behind her husband Lusamba Katalay, 60, and an 11-year-old daughter. 

British Transport Police (BTP) interviewed a 57-year-old man in connection with the incident in the ticket hall on March 21 but announced on Friday they were not taking ‘any further action’ because he tested negative in an antibody test.   

British Transport Police said there was no evidence the male passenger spat at Belly Mujinga (pictured), 47, who later died of Covid-19 in April

After a review of a review of CCTV and based on key eye witness statements the police confirmed they will not be taking any further action into the deat of Ms Mujinga pictured with her husband Lusamba Katalay

After a review of a review of CCTV and based on key eye witness statements the police confirmed they will not be taking any further action into the deat of Ms Mujinga pictured with her husband Lusamba Katalay

In a statement today the police said, based on key eye witness statements and a review of CCTV footage, there was no evidence of anyone spitting.

The statement said: ‘We understand that the tragic death of Belly Mujinga has shocked many people and that the outcome of our investigation has raised questions. 

‘Senior detectives are confident that this incident did not lead to Belly Mujinga contracting Covid-19. 

‘This is because the man in the CCTV footage who detectives interviewed as part of the investigation had a negative antibody test result for Covid-19 in the time after the incident, therefore showing that he had never had the illness.

‘The man’s test did not relate to the BTP investigation – he was tested as part of his occupation and the test results were shared with us during the investigation.

‘Having reviewed all the evidence, senior detectives are satisfied that the incident didn’t lead to Belly Mujinga’s death.

‘We have kept Belly’s family fully informed throughout the investigation and they will continue to be supported by specialist officers.

Ms Mutinga pictured with her daughter, who has been left devastated by the death of her mother. The family have been informed about the result of the investigation

Ms Mutinga pictured with her daughter, who has been left devastated by the death of her mother. The family have been informed about the result of the investigation

‘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.’

Mrs Mujinga’s widowed husband Lusamba Katalay said he has been forced to ‘accept’ his wife’s death because of a lack of evidence and resources to appeal the case. 

The 60-year-old told The Sun: ‘I feel frustrated that after being told that there was CCTV footage, I now discover that the spitting incident – verified by Belly and her colleague with her at the time – wasn’t captured on camera.

He added: ‘I’m told that all they can see is them with the man in question but not anything that can be used as evidence.

‘This has left the police in the difficult position of not being able to pursue a prosecution against the man who I still believe did this to my family.’

The incident on March 22 was not reported until May 11 – more than a month after the ticket inspector’s death on April 5.

Mr Katalay previously demanded an explanation from the Government as to why she had not been given PPE, saying the lack of protective gear also put him and his daughter in ‘mortal danger’.

Ms Mujinga, pictured. In response to the police's decision to take 'no further action', her husband said he has had to 'accept' his wife's death

Ms Mujinga, pictured. In response to the police’s decision to take ‘no further action’, her husband said he has had to ‘accept’ his wife’s death

The last time Mr Katalay saw his wife in person was when an ambulance took her from their flat in Hendon, north London. She died two days later at Barnet Hospital.

Ms Mujinga’s elderly mother could not come from the Democratic Republic of Congo for the funeral, which had a limit of 10 mourners.

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.’