The husband of a train station worker who died from coronavirus after being spat at has said he has been left ‘frustrated’ after police said will take ‘no further action’ over the incident.
Belly Mujinga, 47, died in April – a few weeks after the incident involving a male passenger 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, but didn’t find enough evidence to bring a prosecution.
MailOnline also understands that the main suspect tested negative in an antibody test taken in the time after the incident.
Her husband Lusamba Katalay said he has been forced to ‘accept’ his wife’s death because of a lack of evidence and resources to appeal in 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.
‘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.’
Belly Mujinga (pictured), 47, died of Covid-19 in April, a few weeks after she was spat on by a ‘coronavirus-infected’ passenger. Police said they will be taking ‘no further action’
Ms Mujinga pictured with her husband Lusamba Katalay. Police said: ‘Senior detectives have concluded that there is no evidence to substantiate any criminal offences having taken place’
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.
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.’
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.’
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, pictured. In response to the police’s decision to take ‘no further action’, her husband said: ‘I do not know how strong I am to hear that. It is very sad for us’
An inside view of Victoria Station, where the incident took place. British Transport Police said detectives have conducted extensive inquiries (file photo)
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.’
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’.
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.’