UK: Did Police Contact Lead To Ugandan’s Death?

Katende was found dead under suspicious circumstances in a Cambridge Gardens Estates’ elevator shaft. A post mortem examination carried out at Kingston Hospital found cause of death as asphyxiation; death as a result of oxygen supply to the brain being cut off.

[Global News: United Kingdom]

Was a Ugandan living in London choked to death after contact with police? That’s the questions his friends now want U.K. authorities to address.

“It is being treated as a potential death following police contact as police had pursued burglary suspects on the Estates a short time before the deceased was found dead,” said a spokesman for the Metropolitan Police, of the death of 21-year-old Patrick Ketende.

Katende was found dead under suspicious circumstances in a Cambridge Gardens Estates’ elevator shaft. A post mortem examination carried out at Kingston Hospital found cause of death as asphyxiation; death as a result of oxygen supply to the brain being cut off.

He was discovered when a concerned resident of Cambridge Gardens Estates, Kingston, in South London called the emergency services to report say that a man was trapped in the elevator shaft. Katende was pronounced dead at the scene by area police. Putney Metropolitan Police directorate’s of Professional Standards continues investigating his death, a spokesman says.

Although, police had chased after an alleged burglar, an eyewitness, said it’s doubtful Katende was a suspect. “Among the suspected burglars there was nobody matching the description of the dead young man,” said an eyewitness at the scene, who is also a long resident of Cambridge Gardens Estates; the witness declined to be named.

“Patrick was a fanatical basketball player while at school and we managed to get him into Kingston College as part of their Basketball academy player,” recalled Andy Smith his careers advisor, Andy Smith, from Kingston Connexions. He added: “Patrick used to visit the Kingston Connexions Centre for general advice and help with looking for part time work–Patrick is well remembered by the all staff for his warmth and engaging personality. We are all in shock at the tragic loss of such a lovely guy.”

Floral tributes and notes were left at the scene where he died. “Dear Patrick. What a waste? I can’t believe that it happened to you! I’m going to miss you and that lovely smile of yours. And your funny dance moves! God bless,” reads one sign.

Separately, police have questioned two young males, aged 20 and 21 respectively, and a 17 year old girl, on suspicion of robbery; the trio was released.

Miwambo reports for The Black Star News from Europe

 

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