On September 25, 2020, the British police force was struck with tragedy as Sergeant Matiu “Matt” Ratana, a dedicated officer born in New Zealand, was fatally shot at a police detention center in London. Sergeant Ratana had spent nearly three decades serving with the Metropolitan Police and was on the brink of retirement when this senseless act of violence occurred. His untimely death marked the first killing of a police officer in the UK since the tragic murders of Nicola Hughes and Fiona Bone in 2012.
The incident unfolded when a 23-year-old male was detained for drug offenses and ammunition possession and was being transported to the Croydon Custody Center. It was during this process that Louis De Zoysa, the suspect, shot himself before being apprehended by other officers. As Sergeant Ratana approached to assist with the search, he tragically lost his life. The devastating loss of Sergeant Ratana has left his family, colleagues, and the entire community mourning the loss of a dedicated officer.
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Meet Matt Ratana’s Kids And Wife
Ratana was of Mori ancestry and was born in the Hawke’s Bay area of New Zealand. He was born Matiu Ratana, but his family and coworkers called him Matt.
Su Bushby and Matt Ratana were wed at the time of his passing. The number of kids they had or the length of their marriage are not mentioned, though. Matt Ratana passed away at the age of 54. Matt Ratana family is devastated by his death. He relocated to England in 1989 and spent almost 30 years working for the Metropolitan Police.
Ratana had previously worked for the New Zealand Police before joining the British High Commission Wing in 2003. She then served in the police districts of Auckland City and Counties Manukau before departing for the United Kingdom in 2008.
Investigations into the incident turned up the disturbing information that the suspect’s initial pat-down had overlooked a non-police revolver, which ultimately caused the tragedy.
Investigation into the circumstances surrounding the suspect, Louis De Zoysa, revealed that he had previously been referred to the Prevent program, an anti-extremism program designed to discourage people from taking part in terrorist operations.
What Happened To Matt Ratana ?
In a tragic turn of events, Louis De Zoysa shot him while being apprehended by Sgt. Matt Ratana, who had approached him to provide assistance during a search. Despite being rushed to the hospital, Ratana succumbed to his gunshot wounds, leaving behind a devastated community mourning the loss of a dedicated police officer. Shockingly, it was revealed that no police weapons were used in the incident, as the initial pat-down had missed a non-police revolver.
The suspect, who had been handcuffed with his hands behind his back at the time, was captured on camera during the incident. The aftermath saw multiple crime scenes created, with De Zoysa ultimately being accused of murdering the police officer. After months of hospital care, De Zoysa was formally charged with the murder in June 2021.
The case proceeded to trial, and on April 28, 2023, De Zoysa pled not guilty to the murder via video link from the hospital. However, justice was ultimately served on June 23, 2023, when De Zoysa was found guilty of killing Sgt. Matt Ratana. The court, recognizing the severity of the offense and the harm caused, sentenced De Zoysa to a lifetime of imprisonment on July 27, 2023.
