The British Transport Police have decided not to prosecute the man who claimed he had coronavirus as he spat on a railway worker.
Belly Mujinga passed away last month after being attacked as she carried out her duties as an essential worker during the coronavirus national lockdown.
Along with a colleague, Belly was spat on by a member of the public at London’s Victoria Station. Both women quickly came down with the virus shortly after.
The man, a 57-year-old who said he had COVID-19, was caught on CCTV and identified by the police but no further action will be taken following interviews with the suspect and witnesses.
The British Transport Police said in a statement, “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.”
“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.”
The Transport Salaried Staff’s Association criticised the government and Belly’s employers for allowing her to work despite her status as a “vulnerable person in the at-risk category” due to her having pre-existing health conditions.
Calls for action continue to dominate social media as many express their anger and sadness under the hashtag #JusticeForBellyMujinga that this assault is going unpunished.
Many on social media suggest writing to local MPs, to London’s Mayor Sadiq Khan and his team and the Professional Standards department at the British Transport Police – as a way to express anger and demand more action be taken.
There is an option via the British Transport Police’s website to file a complain here.
Belly Mujinga was a loved wife and mother and she leaves behind a husband and an 11-year-old daughter.
A Go Fund Me page has been set up in her honour and “all future donations will go to support the family, especially Belly’s little girl”. You can donate via Go Fund Me here.