Belly Mujinga: Spitting attack on railway ticket officer not reported to police for seven weeks

Ewan Somerville13 May 2020

Police were not told about a fatal spitting attack on a railway ticket officer until five weeks after her death.

Belly Mujinga, 47, was working on the concourse at London's Victoria station on March 21 when she and a colleague were coughed at and spat at by a man claiming to have Covid-19.

Within days of the assault, both women fell ill with the virus and Ms Mujinga, who has an 11-year-old daughter, died in hospital in Barnet on April 5.

But British Transport Police confirmed the attack was only reported to them on May 11, over seven weeks after it took place.

Belly Mujinga, 47, died of coronavirus after being spat at while on duty
PA

Detectives have launched an investigation. BTP confirmed the incident happened a day earlier than has been previously reported.

The delay in officers becoming aware of the assault has sparked fears key evidence was lost.

The Transport Salaried Staffs Association (TSSA), which represented Ms Mujinga, claimed she was sent back on duty after the attack despite having underlying health issues.

The union claims she asked Govia Thameslink Railway (GTR) to report the attack to the police, but police were not called. GTR said the safety of its customers and staff "continues to be front of mind at all times."

Belly Mujinga, 47, died of coronavirus after being spat at while on duty
PA

A BTP spokesperson gave no further details over why they were not aware until seven weeks later.

He said: “The fact that she was abused for doing her job is utterly appalling.

“My thoughts, and I’m sure the thoughts of the whole House, are with her family.”

"It's disgusting. How could a human being react in that way to another human? It's insane - it's not right," said Ms Ntumba

Piers Morgan said it was “one of the most sickening stories I can remember from this entire crisis".

A crowdfunding page for Ms Mujinga’s family has already raised nearly £27,000, eclipsing its £1,000 target.

Transport Secretary Grant Shapps has said about 50 transport workers have died during the crisis.

Detective Chief Inspector Sam Blackburn said: “I know the death of this member of staff has shocked many of us, and our thoughts remain with her family who are being supported by specially trained family liaison officers as they come to terms with their loss.

“We will always investigate any report of assault thoroughly when we receive it, and it’s vital for us to establish the full circumstances behind this incident.

“We are conducting extensive enquiries to help us do so, including exploring possible CCTV opportunities and speaking to key witnesses.

Anyone with information is urged to contact BTP by texting 61016 or calling 0800 40 50 40 quoting reference 359 of May 11.

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