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

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

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.