CPS rules out charges over virus death of railway worker

A MAN suspected of spitting at a railway worker who later died of coronavirus will not face criminal charges because he tested negative.

Belly Mujinga, 47, died with Covid-19 in April, about two weeks after allegedly being spat at by a man who claimed to have the virus at London’s Victoria Station, leaving a widower and an 11-year-old daughter.

British Transport Police interviewed a 57-year-old man over the incident but said there was not enough evidence that a crime had taken place, after a review of key witness statements, including colleagues, and video footage.

Detectives found there was insufficient evidence of spitting or another action that could lead to infection and concluded that Mrs Mujinga’s death did not occur because of that incident. But the force did ask the Crown Prosecution Service to review the evidence.

Suzanne Llewellyn, the deputy Chief Crown Prosecutor, said: “Belly Mujinga’s death from Covid-19, aged just 47, in April, was a heartbreaking event that shocked the country.

“CCTV and witness evidence was insufficiently clear and consistent to substantiate allegations of deliberate coughing or spitting, meaning no charges can be brought for assault or public order offences.

“Medical tests confirmed the suspect had not been infected with coronavirus, which together with the lack of other evidence rules out any charges in relation to homicide.”

Ms Llewellyn said the CPS explained its decision to the family of Mrs Mujinga, whose husband Lusamba earlier told how the decision to close the case took them by surprise, coming amid anger over the killing of George Floyd.