Hamilton police officers who shot dozens of times at Erixon Kabera killing him cleared by SIU

The Special Investigations Unit (SIU) has announced that two Hamilton police officers who shot and killed Erixon Kabera last November will not be criminally charged. The officers fired as many as 24 bullets at Kabera in his apartment building hallway after mistaking the replica handgun he was holding for a real firearm. Kabera, a 43-year-old father of three, was pronounced dead at the Hamilton General Hospital with eight gunshot wounds, including some in his back.

SIU director Joseph Martino stated in the report that there are no reasonable grounds to believe that either officer committed a criminal offense in connection with Kabera’s death. Family members, friends, and members of the Rwandan community in Canada, to which Kabera belonged, have been seeking answers from the police and the SIU since his tragic death.

The Hamilton Police Service expressed its acknowledgment of the profound impact the incident had on Kabera’s family, the community, and their own members. They stated their commitment to meeting with Kabera’s family and Rwandan community leaders to find a path forward when the community is ready.

According to the SIU report, police were called to the fifth floor of a Main Street W. apartment building after a resident reported a man knocking on their door and appearing to hold a handgun. When the officers arrived, they found Kabera in the hallway holding what appeared to be a handgun. Despite their commands, Kabera raised the replica gun and advanced towards the officers, resulting in them shooting multiple rounds at him.

The SIU investigation included interviews with witnesses, review of 911 calls, police radio recordings, forensic and physical evidence, and a coroner’s report. The officers believed they had to fire their weapons to protect themselves as they thought Kabera was holding a real gun. The director determined that a further retreat was not viable given the speed of the events and the presence of fifth-floor residents.

Kabera’s death has sparked outrage among his family, friends, and the community. He was described as a kind soul and a mentor by his brother Parfait Karekezi. The SIU’s investigation took over 200 days to complete, causing frustration among those seeking transparency and accountability for Kabera’s death.

Yves Ikobe, another brother of Kabera’s, expressed his disbelief at the multiple gunshot wounds and broken bones his brother suffered. He described the shooting as a senseless act, stating that Kabera was killed like a dog. Hundreds gathered to mourn Kabera’s loss in the days following his death, highlighting the impact his passing had on the community.

The SIU report provides some closure to Kabera’s family and the community, but the call for justice and transparency continues. The tragic incident serves as a reminder of the importance of thorough investigations and accountability in cases involving police use of force.