A police officer has been charged with murder in connection with the shooting of an unarmed black man in south London last year, the Crown Prosecution Service has announced.
Chris Kaba, 24, lost his life after being shot by a Metropolitan police firearms officer on September 5, 2022, in Kirkstall Gardens, Streatham Hill, London. The officer's name has not been disclosed.
The incident occurred following an unmarked police car with no lights or sirens trailing Kaba in the moments leading up to the shooting, as revealed during an inquest. After the shooting, the Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC) conducted a murder investigation, which has now resulted in the murder charge.
Rosemary Ainslie, head of the CPS Special Crime Division, emphasized the ongoing criminal proceedings and the officer's right to a fair trial. She urged against any actions that could prejudice the proceedings.
The tragic event sparked public outrage, leading to protests and calls for justice from Mr. Kaba's family.
They have eagerly awaited legal action against the officer involved.
Anita Sharma, head of casework at charity Inquest, which represents the family, welcomed the CPS decision and stressed the importance of holding officers accountable for their actions.
The Metropolitan Police Federation expressed concern over the decision, emphasizing the challenging nature of firearms officers' roles.
The officer charged with murder remains suspended from duty, and misconduct matters will be considered after the conclusion of the criminal proceedings.
The case file was compiled by the IOPC and handed over to the CPS in March. The family of Chris Kaba continues to seek justice and accountability for their loved one.
The legal process is expected to unfold as the case proceeds through the courts.
In another recent legal setback, a man who spent over three decades behind bars on drug-related charges, claiming he was framed by the police, faced the dismissal of his $100 million civil lawsuit against the FBI and the city of Detroit. See detailed story here.
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