Erixon Kabera, a father of three, was shot at his apartment following an incident involving Hamilton Police officers on Saturday, November 9, 2024. The Rwandan national succumbed to his injuries in the hospital on Sunday, November 10.
Hamilton Police initially indicated on social media that officers were responding to a 911 call when they were confronted by a "male with a firearm." The police reported that one officer was injured during the confrontation.
"The officer has been transported to hospital with non-life-threatening injuries. An adult male has also been transported to hospital in life-threatening condition," the police said.
However, in a statement on Monday, the family disputed the circumstances surrounding Kabera's shooting, insisting that their relative was neither armed nor a violent person.
'We are devastated by this unspeakable loss of a man who was a giant in his own right, the kindest soul we've ever known, and the pillar of our family and community. With his infectious smile and hearty laugh, he was so full of life and had so much to live for,' the family's statement reads in part.
'…Our family deserves answers, clarity, and peace, and we stand firm in our belief that Erixon was not armed, nor would he act in a way that would justify this result.'
The family accused the police of issuing contradictory reports regarding the circumstances that led to Kabera's death, citing a statement in which police reportedly acknowledged there was no exchange of fire.
'More than 24 hours after that disconcerting initial report, the SIU released an update clearly indicating there was no gunfire exchange, and that it was indeed two responding officers who shot Erixon and inflicted fatal wounds. We find this reversal of crucial factsâ€"a full day after telling the entire world otherwise and painting an image of violenceâ€"to be deeply outrageous and unnerving,' the family stated.
The heartbroken family is now calling for transparency and accountability in the investigation into Kabera's death, including the release of police body camera footage.
'As we grieve this senseless loss, we respectfully ask for transparency and accountability from the authorities. Whether it's police body cam footage, surveillance videos from the building, or any other pieces of evidence, we want to know the details of the altercation so we can understand the truth of what happened in Erixon's final moments,' the family added.
The family described Kabera as a dedicated and industrious father who worked tirelessly to support his family.
At the time of his death, they revealed, he was serving as a Resource Officer with the Canada Revenue Agency, where his ability to speak multiple languages was an asset in customer service roles.
In addition to his job, Erixon was deeply involved in the Rwandan community, serving as vice president of the Rwandan Community Abroad in Toronto and as an advisor for the Rwandan Canadian Healing Center.
'He contributed to countless projects aimed at empowering, educating, and uplifting the community he cherished,' the family said.
The Chairperson of the Rwandan community in Canada, Alain Patrick Ndengera, also questioned the police's statement and urged Canadian authorities to conduct an impartial investigation into the death of the Rwandan national.
'If any police officers are found to have acted wrongly, they should face the courts to explain their actions,' Ndengera stated while alluding to a case of mistaken identity.
Wycliffe Nyamasege
