Ritsia, the 24-year-old sister of Pengo Bossio Wangi, spoke publicly for the first time on Sunday evening during a broadcast on TF1's "Sept à huit" program. Her testimony came nine days after her brother was killed in Trappes on Friday, October 23, in an act described as a racist attack. The shooter, identified as Kevin T., has acknowledged his actions and is currently held in provisional detention following his indictment.
During the interview, Ritsia expressed her desire for the justice system to be firm while also honoring her brother's memory. She stated that she awaits peace for herself and security for the people. Described by her family as an exceptional older brother, Pengo was a 26-year-old amateur fighter and a rising talent at the Atch Academy in Aubervilliers. Originally from Poissy and living in Guyancourt, he was traveling to Trappes for a training session to become a security agent when he encountered Kevin T., who shot him multiple times.
Ritsia recounted the moment she learned of her brother's death on October 23. Initially informed by a journalist that Pengo was among the victims of the shooting, she struggled to believe it until her mother told her that police were arriving. She realized immediately that he had died, noting that if he were alive, they would have gone to the hospital instead. Still in shock, she described feeling empty and unable to accept the reality of the situation.
Reflecting on her brother's final moments, Ritsia imagined his fear and sense of injustice, emphasizing how alone he was during the attack. She recalled that they were scheduled to meet that evening and had spoken by phone earlier that morning. She portrayed Pengo as a protective, funny, and highly empathetic individual who cared deeply about others' suffering. The siblings shared a close bond, discussing their dreams and ambitions, including his wish to start a family and attend their weddings.
The tragedy has sparked intense political debate, with Ali Rabeh, the mayor of Trappes, calling for collective lucidity regarding how certain discourses can ideologically arm those capable of violence. Ritsia agreed that such acts do not come from nowhere. She expressed her intention to hold public funeral honors to reflect the many friends and supporters Pengo had. She also shared how moved she was by a white march organized in Aubervilliers on October 25, which gave her a sense of unity and love.
Looking ahead, Ritsia hopes for an official national tribute that will bring peace and help society realize the immense value of human life. She emphasized that one death can destroy a family and shatter dreams, noting that Pengo had his entire life ahead of him. Meanwhile, Pengo's father, Bolema Bossio Wangi, stated during a press conference in Paris on November 2 that the national tribute must serve as a moment of awareness and commitment against racism.
Bolema recalled growing up in France during the 1980s and 1990s, a time when racist attacks were unfortunately common. He expressed his fear as a father of black children in a country facing strong identity tensions but affirmed that he and Pengo's mother choose to trust the justice system. He declared their love for France and its values, particularly fraternity, urging the nation to remain faithful to these principles regardless of the origins or skin color of its inhabitants.
Sources: Le Figaro.