Nkencho family voice ‘extreme concern’ at pace of investigation
GEORGE Nkencho’s family are ‘extremely concerned’ about the Garda Síochana Ombudsman Commission (Gsoc) investigation into his shooting.
Mr Nkencho, 27, was fatally shot by gardaí on Wednesday of last week outside his home in Clonee, west Dublin.
Gsoc has been investigating the circumstances surrounding the shooting.
The Nkencho family solicitor, Phelim O’Neill, said that the commission will investigate any possible criminal element related to the shooting.
Gsoc said it is investigating this case in accordance with section 98 of the Garda Síochána Act, 2005, which gives it police powers to investigate possible offences.
A spokesperson for the Gardaí told the Irish Daily Mail: ‘An Garda Síochána does not comment on investigations being carried out by Gsoc.’
In a statement, Mr O’Neill said that the family were happy to hear from Gsoc that the inquiry is ‘now enjoying the status of ‘a criminal investigation’.
The statement reads: ‘In previous correspondence with Gsoc, Phelim O’Neill called upon the Garda Ombudsman to “ensure that the matter is treated as a serious criminal investigation with all resources as may be required, furnished and availed of ”. It is now for the first time a real and distinct possibility on the conclusion of the Gsoc investigation that members of An Garda Síochána will be criminally prosecuted for their actions in shooting George Nkencho to death.’
This part of the investigation is attempting to establish whether the garda involved in the shooting acted criminally, but i t does not mean the officer committed any offence.
Mr O’Neill went on to say, however, that the family were ‘extremely concerned’ about the pace of the overall investigation into Mr Nkencho’s death.
Concerns were raised about how long it is taking for Gsoc to organise to take eye witness statements from the Nkencho family, who saw Mr Nkencho being shot.
‘Nearly nine days later, I am extremely concerned that statements have not been taken from civilian eyewitnesses,’ said Mr O’Neill. He added: ‘It is a wellknown fact that with the passage of ti me memories f ade and crucial details can be l ost, possibly forever.
‘The eyewitnesses have crucial evidence which both An Garda Síochána and Gsoc have failed as yet to seek out and preserve.’
He said that ‘this delay potentially prejudices the prosecution of the Garda members who shot George Nkencho’.
Gsoc said in response to Mr Phelim’s statement: ‘Gsoc has been in contact with the family of Mr Nkencho since the day of Mr Nkencho’s death.
‘A family liaison officer (FLO) was appointed by Gsoc on the evening of Mr Nkencho’s death and has been in contact with the family since then, providing the services of an FLO.
‘Gsoc has begun taking witness statements and, as is the case with any i nvestigation, there are a number of matters to be explored and further witnesses to be contacted.’
It added that this ‘would be in keeping with the carrying out of all criminal investigations’.
‘Eyewitnesses have crucial evidence’
‘Number of matters to be explored’