The family of 13 year old Christopher Kapessa has held a memorial marking one year since he died in the River Cynon. 

 

His body was found in the river near Fernhill on July 1st 2019. Since his death, his family has accused South Wales Police and the Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) of institutional racism after the CPS admitted there was clear evidence that a suspect pushed him into the river, but did not continue to prosecute as they said there was no public interest to open a manslaughter case.

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The case was highlighted by the Black Lives Matter matter movement as institutional racism and members of the public and the family has called for justice and a review of the case.

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South Wales Police said it had referred the investigation to the Independent Office for Police Conduct was “absolutely committed to implementing any opportunities for learning.”

 

His mother, Alina Joseph, said: “My son deserves to have justice,” as the family

waits for a CPS review of the case. 

 

During the memorial, his family and friends shared stories about Christopher,

as well as releasing balloons and doves and laying flowers near the river.