Met cop who shot Chris Kaba referred to Crown Prosecution Service

The firearms police officer who shot and killed 24-year-old Chris Kaba in September last year has had their case referred to the Crown Prosecution Service (CPS).

The Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC) confirmed today that “a file of evidence” had been handed to the CPS, following the conclusion of its homicide investigation.

Mr Kaba was fatally shot by a Met cop known only as NX121 on September 5 in Kirkstall Gardens, Streatham Hill, after the car he was driving was followed by an armed response vehicle.

On the news the case had been referred to the CPS, a joint statement from the family of Mr Kaba said: “Our family, alongside the community who have supported us over the past seven months, have been consistent in our call for accountability.

“This step forward is necessary and welcome. We urge the Crown Prosecution Service to do their bit and provide their advice to the IOPC urgently.

“We very much hope that the CPS advise in favour of a prosecution and that the truth will emerge, without delay, through criminal proceedings. Our family and community cannot continue waiting for answers.

“Chris was so loved by our family and all his friends. He had a bright future ahead of him before his life was cut short. We must see justice for Chris.”

The IOPC had previously confirmed the vehicle Mr Kaba was driving was linked to a firearms incident which took place the previous day, and an automatic number plate recognition marker had been placed on it.

A statement made by the IOPC in October said that the evidence suggested officer NX121 was standing to the front of the vehicle and shot Mr Kaba through the front windscreen.

The IOPC homicide investigation considered the actions of the police, and in particular the actions of NX121.

The IOPC have said that a referral to the CPS does not necessarily mean charges will follow.

IOPC Director Amanda Rowe said: “Mr Kaba died after he was struck by a single gunshot fired by an MPS officer into the vehicle he was driving.

“During the investigation, the officer was advised they were under criminal investigation for murder, and following the conclusion of our investigation we have referred a file of evidence to the CPS to determine whether to charge the officer.

“It is now for the CPS to decide, applying the tests in the Code for Crown Prosecutors, whether or not to prosecute the officer.”

Daniel Machover, of Hickman & Rose, the legal team which represents the family of Mr Kaba, said: “It is very welcome that, having concluded the homicide investigation earlier this month, the IOPC have now taken this important step, but it remains the case that with different policies in place and a greater degree of urgency right from the start, the file would have been with the CPS much sooner.

“It is worth pointing out that many of the IOPC’s most serious criminal investigations remain under-resourced and far too slow.

“The public interest demands that the CPS provides its advice to the IOPC swiftly, in a matter of weeks not months.”

Pictured top: Chris Kaba (Picture: Family handout)