Kumanjayi White, a 24-year-old Warlpiri man, found the Alice Springs police station a tragic home, having died in police custody there—an all too often political sentiment. His death has raised deep alarm over the treatment of people with disabilities by law enforcement officers. White experienced disabilities and lived in supported accommodation. He recently went to a Coles supermarket in Alice Springs, where he required support while doing his grocery shopping.
Plain-clothed police officers subdued White after he allegedly entered into a fight with security guards inside the grocery store. This incident directly contributed to his eventual tragic death. Witnesses and family members have both highlighted White’s vulnerability and the need for better support systems for those like him.
Family and Community Response
Ned Jampijinpa Hargraves, Kumanjayi White’s grandfather, expressed deep sorrow over his grandson’s death, describing him as “very vulnerable” due to his disabilities. Hargraves said that the needs of Kumanjayi would have been obvious to anyone who looked at him. While doing so, he elucidated his huge lack of appropriate care.
“One glance at Kumanjayi White showed that he had special needs.” – Ned Jampijinpa Hargraves
Coles employee Gene Hill knows all too well what it was like working with White. He understood that White’s shopping trips could use some agonizing. Hill frequently assisted White as he navigated the store’s aisles. Their support portrayed the importance of knowing and addressing the needs of people with disabilities.
“It was obvious that Kumanjayi White had a disability and needed help to do his shopping,” Hill stated.
Police Investigation and Accountability
Following the incident, Acting Commissioner Martin Dole defended the decision to have the Northern Territory Police conduct an internal investigation into White’s death. Dole said that the coroner would head a broader inquiry. That’s standard operating procedure for all deaths that happen in custody under suspicious or unexplained circumstances.
“When an incident happens that involves a death — and if it’s a sudden and unexpected death — then the NT coroner also has jurisdiction.” – Acting Commissioner Martin Dole
Dole said he had confidence in the detectives compounded confidence for detectives working on the investigation. He praised their professionalism and training. He even went so far as to call for better police procedures for dealing with people with disabilities. He still didn’t know if these protocols were applicable in White’s case, he conceded.
“I have absolute confidence in the detectives and members of the Northern Territory Police Force undertaking this investigation — they’re professional, experienced, highly-trained and impartial,” Dole stated.
Calls for Independent Oversight
Now community leaders and advocates are calling for an independent investigation into the events which led to Kumanjayi White’s death. Spokesperson for Justice Not Jails, Thomas Mayo underscored the significance of this inquiry. He stated that it is vital because of the long history of systemic racism allegations against the Northern Territory Police Force.
“An independent investigation is absolutely vital,” Mayo remarked, calling for reforms to ensure better treatment of Indigenous individuals. He added that resources should be allocated for local interpreters to bridge communication gaps during encounters with law enforcement.
They have to invest some money early on in use of local interpreters,” he noted. “There’s no one for the language barrier … and they don’t hire Indigenous security guards.
Coles supermarket expressed its sadness for the death of Kumanjayi White. In the meantime, they are being fully collaborative with police investigations into the incident.
“Our thoughts go out to the man’s family, loved ones and the wider community during this difficult time.” – Coles spokesperson
