Photo of Sasha Johnson lying in bed shared a year after being shot and near death

Mother of two Sasha Johnson, 28, was hit by a bullet and left with catastrophic permanent injuries when four masked men stormed into a party in Peckham, London in May 2021

The mother and sister of black rights activist Sasha Johnson, who was shot early last summer, have vowed to get justice for her.

The devastated family also said Ms Johnson, who was hit by a bullet in Peckham, south-east London in May 2021, is a boxer who will recover to tell her own story.

Miss Johnson, who has two young sons, was shot and left severely and permanently disabled when four masked men barged into a party she was attending.

Her mother, Ellet Dalling and sister Shakira Williams spoke to journalists at New Scotland Yard on Monday after the criminal case against the four men accused of the shooting collapsed.

In an emotional interview, Ms Dalling said: “She’s strong, she’s a fighter and she’s going to come and tell the story of who did this to her.”

Ms Johnson, 28, is a founding member of the Initiative’s Initiation Party and was a prominent figure in the Black Lives Matter movement last summer, but is not of the opinion that the shootings is the goal.

At the Old Bailey last week, prosecutor Mark Heywood QC said the prosecution could not proceed for reasons that could not be fully disclosed at the open trial.

The decision follows a rare informed hearing, held behind closed doors, that may be used in cases involving evidence from informants or listening devices.

Her sister said that although the case was broken, the family was still determined to get justice.

“One of the only things that kept us going was our faith,” Ms Williams said.

“We were hurt, but we had to pull ourselves together because now breaking down isn’t it.

“And we know it’s not over. This is a bend in the road.”

Her mother added: “We will get justice, and Sasha will come and let us get justice.”

Ms Johnson lost one eye and is now unable to move on one side of her body as a result of the shooting, which has forced her to undergo multiple surgeries.

Struggling to hold back tears, Mrs Dalling said she was able to talk to her daughter in hospital.

She said, “I told her she would be okay. She nodded at me, she squeezed my hand.”

Urging witnesses to come forward, Ms. Dalling said: “Don’t let that happen to someone else again. Don’t be silent.

“Those who did this to Sasha need to go out. We need justice for Sasha.

“So please, I ask everyone at the party to come out and speak up for Sasha. We need justice.

“Don’t let it happen to other people, send them out into the street.”

Ms Williams said: ‘Silence is crazy, when you’re supposed to be shouting.

“A life. My sister. It could be yours.”

The pair praised the strength of Ms Johnson’s two sons Cavali, 11, and Mykell, seven, as they released several new photos of Ms Johnson.

“They’re very strong,” Ms. Dalling said. “They’re keeping it for their mother.”

In an emotional statement to her sister, Ms Williams described the family’s ordeal over the past nine months.

She said: “We were left scarred and emotionally hurt on May 23 of last year. We were all shot in the head.

“And there were times when it was so painful that we couldn’t breathe.

“It’s ironic because when you see George Floyd breathless 1000 miles away, you’ve taken to the streets of the UK to fight for justice.

“My sons were so brave and strong, I was heartbroken, but I was very strong.

“Every day you see what this does to a mother. I can’t put it into words, but the journey has been devastating.”

She added: “What happened in the dark will always come to light.

“Those involved in hurting my sister can toast to all that makes them happy right now.

“But one day Sasha will wake up and tell her story.

“Because it seems like she’s the only one with the strength of character who can tell the truth to shed light on what happened to her.

“Gun violence is a dangerous crime. We need to save lives and prevent future shootings by speaking out.

“Sasha, you are a born leader. Say her name. Sasha Johnson, our all. Wake up Sasha and finish your race.”

Detective Chief Inspector Nigel Penney, who is leading the investigation into the shooting, said many witnesses have refused to come forward.

“Our biggest challenge was the wall of silence we faced when we called for witnesses to come forward,” he said.

“Sasha was at a party when she was shot. There were a lot of people there who weren’t ready to talk to us yet.

“I know it’s tough, but our officers are here to do all they can to support anyone who’s willing to come forward.”

Witnesses with information can contact the police incident department on 020 8721 4622 or, to remain anonymous, contact Crimestoppers on 0800 555111 or online.