Family of man shot by Hamilton police hold vigil and rally in Regina

A vigil was held on Saturday in Regina for Erixon Kabera, who was shot by Hamilton police in November. (Hallee Mandryk / CTV News)

The family and community of a man shot by police in Hamilton in November continue to seek answers surrounding the circumstances of his death.

Erixon Kabera was shot by the Hamilton Police Service while at his apartment on Nov. 9 as they were responding to an apparent 911 call. He was taken to hospital and died the next day. 

Kabera’s younger brother, Yves Ikobe, said the family is calling for transparency and awareness into Kabera's death. 

"We've got to bring awareness for police brutality. It's a real thing. And we need transparency through the investigation. The investigation is still ongoing. It's been over 50 days since it happened, but we still don't have an answer at the moment. So we gather here to bring awareness of crime committed by officer," he said.

Saturday’s vigil and rally was held at Wellsprings Victory Church in Regina, where people shared memories of Kabera and the impact his death has had on the community. The 43-year-old father of three was described as ‘a gentleman of the highest moral character and sincerity.’

"He was a Canadian Rwandan. And, he was gone in a very tragic way that, everyone is questioning what happened. So we need to know, we need to have the justice done. We need to have information, and we gathered here just to push that to happen. But at the same time, bringing in an awareness into the community, having the young people get to know where we are as a large community," said Francois Regis Kabahizi, vice president of the Rwandan Diaspora in Canada (RCA-Canada). 

Kabahizi went on to say that Kabera was an active leader in the community.

While the shooting took place in another province, Ikobe explained that his brother's death is an important reminder that there is need for change.

"I know it's far from Hamilton...But police services or most of them, RCMP, they're all trained here in Regina. So there's nowhere better to do it than where the training happens. ...Any type of police services, really the procedure are very similar. So to bring awareness to this, we shall do it often in any city if we can," Ikobe said.

Throughout the event, the topic of frequent police brutality across the world was highlighted.

"I think we don't learn from our history. It's like things happen and continue to happen and nothing really changes. So I think that, what happened in Ontario, it's not different from what is happening in Saskatchewan... and we're not doing enough to change the patterns. So, yeah, it's bringing in awareness and making sure we live in a very safe environment in our communities,” Kabahizi said.

Those involved in the organization of the event echoed that they plan to continue speaking about Kabera's death and calling for action until they receive answers.

"Any city in Canada should be having this rally to make sure the police brutality, it's something that needs to stop right away," Ikobe said.

The event was also a fundraiser for Kabera's family, and the expenses related to legal fees and private investigations as the community seeks accountability and answers for the 43-year old's death.