The household of the person shot and killed by Hamilton police on Saturday has recognized him as Erixon Kabera — a father of three, recognized for his kindness and dedication to Hamilton’s Rwandan group.
His spouse, Lydia Nimbeshaho, advised Ontario Chronicle her household is devastated and demanding solutions. She was not at Kabera’s residence at the time of the capturing, however went to see him within the hospital after.
“They killed him like an animal … I do not even understand how I will stay with this,” she stated in an interview.
The province’s police watchdog, the Particular Investigations Unit (SIU), is investigating the capturing at a west-end Hamilton residence constructing. It has not confirmed Kabera was the sufferer.
Hamilton police declined to touch upon the household’s assertion citing the SIU investigation. Spokesperson Jackie Penman stated the one that known as police had reported a person was “at their door believed to be in possession of a handgun.”
The SIU stated in a assertion that Hamilton officers responded to stories of a person “performing in a threatening method” and photographs have been fired.
A police officer sustained non-life threatening accidents, the SIU stated, and has been launched from hospital, whereas the person died at 1 a.m. Sunday from a gunshot wound.
SIU walks again ‘trade of gunfire’ declare
The SIU initially stated there was an “trade of gunfire,” then later issued a assertion to say that primarily based on additional investigation, it would not seem the person discharged a firearm, however quite two law enforcement officials did.
Nimbeshaho stated she and her household are “very indignant” about how the case has been dealt with.
“We discover that reversal of essential info, a full day after telling your entire world in any other case and portray a picture of violence for our very personal, to be deeply outrageous and unnerving,” stated Kabera’s household in a press release.
“We stand agency in our perception that Erixon was not armed, nor would he act in a approach that might justify this outcome.”
The SIU stated on Monday its preliminary assertion was primarily based on preliminary info and an replace was offered after additional investigation.
A duplicate handgun was later recovered on the scene, the SIU stated.
His household says Kabera, 43, didn’t possess a gun and did not have a violent historical past.
“He was a peaceable man who valued concord and group, making this declare profoundly troublesome to reconcile with the particular person we knew and cherished,” they stated in a press release.
Kabera had labored as a useful resource officer with the Canada Income Company and was “deeply concerned” within the Rwandan group, his household’s assertion stated. Alongside together with his position as an adviser on the Rwanda Canadian Therapeutic Centre, he was vice chairman of the Rwandan Group Overseas Toronto.
“Erixon Kabera was a exceptional man whose life was devoted to like, service and compassion,” the household’s assertion stated.
“We miss him deeply, and we search solely the reality to honour his reminiscence.”
The SIU continues to research.
A rally in honour of Kabera will happen at Hamilton’s metropolis corridor Thursday at 6 p.m., and supporters have launched an internet fundraising marketing campaign to assist his household.
