Christopher Kapessa died in the River Cynon in Fernhill, Rhondda Cynon Taff, on 1st July 2019. Almost one year later, the famly are still waiting for a police investigation to learn exactly how he died.
Christopher's mother, Alina Joseph, said: "From the start, South Wales Police baffled us by being unable to answer many of the most basic of our questions. If this had been 14 black youths and a white victim we have no doubt that the approach of the police and outcome would have been different’ .
Some of the messages left at the scene
Several campaign groups, including BAME Lawyers goup, Racism Alliance Wales, Cardiff Stand Up To Racism, Women Connect First, Black Association of Women Stepping Out and the Monitoring Group have all expressed their concern over the handling of Christopher's death. A discrimination complaint against South Wales Police was lodged by The Monitoring Group on behalf of Ms Joseph and the case is now being taken forward by the major crime investigation team.