Racially-aggravated attempted murder victim marks recovery milestone
Police have issued a fresh appeal a year after the attack in Bristol
It has been one year since a car was used as a weapon in a racially-aggravated attack in Bristol.
The incident saw Katungua Tjitendero suffer horrific injuries and police launch their investigations.
Despite an outpouring of support for Katungua and his family locally, nationally and internationally, four arrests by the investigative team and a £5,000 reward on offer from the charity Crimestoppers, no one has yet been charged with the crime.
Today (Thursday 22 July) marks a milestone in Katungua's recovery and to celebrate, he and his family were due to return to Southmead Hospital to meet and thank in person some of the staff who cared for him.
Due to having to self-isolate, the meeting with Maria Kane OBE, Chief Executive of North Bristol NHS Trust, and emergency department nurse Laura Vass took place virtually instead.
Laura was one of the first people to care for Katungua when he was brought into the hospital in the immediate aftermath of the incident.
Both Katungua and his mother work at the NHS hospital, although Katungua is not yet fit to return. The family continue to be supported by SARI.
"My attackers broke my body, but not my heart or Bristol’s heart nor did they poison it.
"I want justice not revenge, I am bouncing back – that will be my victory. Watch me fly. Thank you NHS! Thank you Bristol! I am here because of you."
Katungua Tjitendero
His mother Hivaka said: "The attack on my son because he is a black man, exposes a sickness in our society. I’m one of the lucky mothers – my son came home alive. My heart goes out to all those family’s who’s loved ones didn’t.
"I am eternally grateful to those who saved my son’s life. If you know who attacked my son please call the police."
Hivaka Tjitendero
Maria Kane, Chief Executive of North Bristol NHS Trust said: "K is one of us, he and his mother both work at North Bristol NHS Trust and they are very much part of our family, so when we heard about what happened it hit everyone extremely hard.
"One year on, his colleagues are reminded of the horrific attack on their friend and are disheartened that those responsible still haven’t been caught.
"We are absolutely committed to stamping out racism in all its forms, and any racism towards our staff will not be tolerated.
"I’d like to personally appeal to anyone with information about what happened to K to come forward immediately."
Maria Kane - Chief Executive of North Bristol NHS Trust
The attack:
At 4.30pm on Wednesday 22 July 2020 K was walking to the bus stop on his way home from a shift at Southmead Hospital. A dark blue Honda Accord car mounted the pavement on Monks Park Avenue, Horfield, pinning him to a wall.
Two men shouted racist abuse at Katungua before running from the scene. He went to hospital with serious injuries and an investigation began.
This complex investigation has remained a priority for Avon and Somerset Police throughout the past year. Detailed forensic work has been undertaken, hours of CCTV footage trawled, Crown Prosecution Service lawyers consulted and progress monitored by both the police chief officer group and the Police and Crime Commissioner.
Timeline of the investigation:
Wednesday 22 July 2020 – The road was closed while officers examined the scene spoke to witnesses, carried out house-to-house enquiries and recovered the vehicle. An initial media statement appealed for witnesses to the collision. Officers took initial details from K at hospital.
Thursday 23 July – Katungua was able to give his first detailed evidential account to detectives following his release from hospital, including the racist abuse from the offenders.
Friday 24 July – an appeal for witnesses and information was published on police channels and sent to all local media, confirming that this was being investigated as a deliberate, racially-aggravated attack.
Tuesday 28 July – local and national media covered the case. K confirmed his injuries included a broken leg, nose and cheekbone and that he would need plastic surgery.
Saturday 1 to Tuesday 4 August – four men were arrested on suspicion of attempted murder and released under investigation.
Monday 10 August – CCTV footage of the car was released in a further appeal:
Tuesday 18 August – Crimestoppers announced an enhanced reward of £5,000. The independent charity enables people to pass on information anonymously, with the prospect of a reward. This reward has been renewed and still stands. Only information passed directly to Crimestoppers using the untraceable anonymous online form on their website or via freephone number 0800 555 111 will qualify. Information passed directly to Avon and Somerset Police will not qualify.
Friday 11 September – The national BBC Crimewatch Live programme featured the case
Wednesday 16 September – graphic images of the damage to the car used as a weapon formed part of a renewed appeal for information:
Friday 22 January 2021 – The six-month anniversary of the attack was marked with a renewed appeal and the release of a new music track by KDogg – a talented musician and footballer.
The statistics:
- More than 38 witnesses spoken to
- Dozens more people contacted through house-to-house enquiries and following media appeals
- 32 statements taken
- More than 120 exhibits seized
- More than 50 staff involved including detectives, collision investigators, crime scene investigators and forensic scientists
If you have any information which could help to get answers for Katungua and his family and bring those responsible to justice, call 101 now, quoting reference 5220163308 and asking to speak to the Operation Bezel investigation team.