London railway worker and mother of one died “after being spit on by man with Covid-19”

A railroad ticket clerk who died of coronavirus after being spat on while on duty was “a good person, a good mother and a good wife” who cared for everyone, his devastated widower said.

Belly Mujinga, 47, was on the esplanade of Victoria Station in London on March 22 when a member of the public who said she had Covid-19 spat and coughed on her and a colleague.

Within a few days of the assault, both women fell ill with the virus.

Belly Mujinga, 47, died of coronavirus after being spat on while on duty at London Victoria Station (Family / PA brochure)

Ms. Mujinga, mother of 11-year-old Ingrid, was admitted to Barnet Hospital and put on a respirator, but died on April 5, her union, the Association of Transportation Salary Personnel (TSSA) said.

Her husband, Lusamba Gode Katalay, told the AP news agency how the suspect approached Ms. Mujinga and spat on her face.

He said, “The man asked her what she was doing, why she was there, and she said they were working.

“The man said he had the virus and spat on them. They reported this to their supervisor.

She gave her friendship to many people. She was a loving person and would take care of everyone

“Belly came home and told me everything.”

Katalay said his wife had an operation four years ago and had underlying respiratory problems. A week after the incident, she began to feel ill and was admitted to the hospital on April 2.

“That was the last time I saw her,” said Katalay.

“We just said, ‘Be good’ and that God is in charge.

“We made a WhatsApp video at the hospital, but then I never heard from her again. I thought she might be asleep, but the doctor called to tell me that she was dead.

Katalay and her daughter Ingrid were two of the 10 people at Mujinga’s funeral on April 29, after her death on April 5.

Ms Mujinga was originally from the Democratic Republic of the Congo and moved to the United Kingdom in 2000.

Katalay said: “She was a good person, a good mother, and a good wife.

“She gave her friendship to many people. He was a caring person and would take care of everyone. “

Ms. Mujinga was the mother of 11-year-old daughter Ingrid (Family / PA brochure)

The union has reported the incident to the Railways Inspectorate, the security arm of the Roads and Railways Office (ORR), for investigation, and is receiving legal advice on the situation.

TSSA Secretary General Manuel Cortés said: “We are shocked and devastated by Belly’s death. She is one of too many front-line workers who have lost their lives to the coronavirus.

“Sadly, Belly’s is just one of many family tragedies in which their children have been taken from their parents.”

However, there are serious questions about his death; It was not inevitable.

“As a vulnerable person in the” at risk “category, and his condition known to his employer, there are questions as to why he did not withdraw from front-line duties early in this pandemic.

“Instead of talking about easing the blockade, the government must first ensure that adequate precautions and protections have been taken so that no more lives are lost.

“Our rail industry needs to have a very serious view of what are considered” essential “tasks and must establish protections for all of our members and our passengers.”

The British Transport Police (BTP) is now investigating, although it is believed that no complaint was filed with them at the time, despite Mujinga and his colleague asking employer staff Govia Thameslink Railway to contact the police, he said. the Union.

Angie Doll, Managing Director of Southern Railway and Gatwick Express, owned by Govia Thameslink Railway, said: “We are devastated that our dedicated colleague Belly has passed away and our deepest condolences are with her family with whom we have been in contact through this. very difficult time. “

He said the company was investigating complaints about how staff handled Ms. Mujinga’s case, adding: “We take the allegations very seriously.”

A BTP spokesman said: “British transport police have launched an investigation into a report of two railway staff members who were spit on while working at London’s Victoria station on March 22.”

Anyone with information should contact BTP by sending a text message to 61016 or calling 0800 40 50 40 and quoting reference 359 from 11/05/20.