Police officer charged with Chris Kaba murder granted anonymity

The police officer charged with the murder of Chris Kaba appeared in court twice yesterday.

The police officer – known as NX121 – has not been named publicly after an application for anonymity was granted in court.

The officer first appeared at Westminster Magistrates’ Court yesterday morning and then at the Old Bailey in the afternoon.

They were released on bail and will appear at the Old Bailey on December 1 for a pre-trial hearing. A provisional trial date has been set for September 2024.

An application for anonymity was made by the officer’s legal representatives, which was granted by the court. The officer remains suspended from duty.

In a joint statement, the family of Mr 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 was killed while unarmed when he was shot through the windscreen of a car in Kirkstall Gardens, Streatham, on September 5, last year.

Mr Kaba, from Wembley, was also known as rapper Madiz and part of the MOBO-nominated drill group 67. He was due to become 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), which passed its  file to the CPS in March.

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, which authorised the murder charge.

Pictured top: Chris Kaba (Picture: The Met)