TSSA welcomes inquest into Belly Mujinga's death

TSSA General Secretary, Manuel Cortes, has welcomed the decision to hold an inquest into the death of union member Belly Mujinga describing it as "a step forward in the fight for justice" in the case.

Belly – a TSSA member – died on 5 April 2020 just two weeks after it was reported she was coughed on by a customer at London's Victoria station. A BBC Panorama investigation subsequently raised serious questions about the inquiries into her death carried out by her employer, GTR (Govia Thameslink Railway), and the police.

Senior North London Coroner, Andrew Walker, today ruled an inquest will be held into Belly’s death saying there is reason to suspect her death was "unnatural".

Manuel Cortes said: 

"Our entire union will welcome the decision to hold an inquest into Belly’s tragic death. As far as we are concerned there have always been a number of outstanding questions about what happened to Belly and an inquest will be a step forward in the fight for justice.

"Belly’s death touched the nation and was keenly felt by so many transport workers who have bravely been on the front line throughout this terrible pandemic. We simply must know what happened and the lessons which can be learned.

"For all these reasons, and to bring peace to Belly’s family, without doubt it’s in the public interest to have an inquest."