Chris Kaba family speak out as Met officer who shot him charged with murder
The family of Chris Kaba have said they “must see justice” as the Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) announced it is charging the officer who shot and killed him with murder.
Mr Kaba, 24, was fatally shot by a firearms officer from the Met while unarmed over a year ago on September 5, 2022, in Kirkstall Gardens, Streatham.
The officer will appear before Westminster Magistrates Court tomorrow. The officer is known only as NX121 at this stage.
In a joint statement, the family of Chris Kaba said: “Chris was so very loved by our family and all his friends. He had a bright future ahead of him, but his life was cut short. Our family and our wider community must see justice for Chris.
“We welcome this charging decision, which could not have come too soon. Now we await the trial of the firearms officer without delay and hope and pray that justice will be served.”
Mr Kaba, from Wembley, was also known as rapper Madiz and part of the MOBO-nominated drill group 67. He was due to be a father before he was shot by police following a car chase.
The decision in Mr Kaba’s case follows the homicide investigation by the Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC), who passed their file to the CPS in March.
Anita Sharma, head of casework at INQUEST who represent the family, said: “Bereaved families should expect that police officers who kill people are held to account to a criminal standard, but this is so often denied.
“As such, today’s decision from the Crown Prosecution Service is welcome. The next stages of this prosecution must be pursued promptly, whilst ensuring the upmost scrutiny of the officer’s actions.
“Chris was an unarmed Black man who was shot in the head by a police officer on the streets of London. His death has generated national and international disquiet.”
The IOPC confirmed Mr Kaba died after he was struck by a single gunshot fired by an MPS officer into the vehicle he was driving.
Following the completion of its investigation in March 2023, it referred a file of evidence to the CPS, who authorised the murder charge.
Rosemary Ainslie, head of the CPS Special Crime Division, said: “Following a thorough review of the evidence provided by the IOPC, the CPS has authorised a charge of murder against a Metropolitan Police officer following the death of Chris Kaba.
“The CPS reminds all concerned that criminal proceedings against the officer are active and that he has the right to a fair trial.
“It is extremely important there should be no reporting, commentary or sharing of information online which could in any way prejudice these proceedings.”
The Met’s Deputy Assistant Commissioner, Helen Millichap, said: “We have fully supported the IOPC investigation as it has worked to establish the facts.
“Today’s announcement is a significant and serious development. We must now allow the court process to run its course so it would not be appropriate for me to say more at this stage.
“Our thoughts are with everyone affected by this case.”
Pictured top: Chris Kaba’s family outside the South London Coroner’s Court (Picture: PA)