Police will take ‘no further action’ after passenger spat on train worker who later died of Covid-19

Police will take ‘no further action’ after a ‘coronavirus-infected’ passenger spat on a train ticket collector who later died of Covid-19. 

Belly Mujinga, 47, died in April – a few weeks after the incident at London’s Victoria station, leaving a widower and an 11-year-old daughter.

British Transport Police said detectives have conducted a ‘full and thorough investigation’ into the matter, including interviewing a 57-year-old man, and concluded the incident did not lead to Belly’s death.

A statement said: ‘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.’

Angie Doll, managing director of Southern Railway and Gatwick Express, said: ‘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.’

Ms Mujinga’s husband, Lusamba Gode 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.’

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.’