Police officer who shot man dead in South London charged with murder

The Metropolitan Police officer who shot Chris Kaba in south London in September last year has been charged with murder, the Crown Prosecution Service has said.

Mr Kaba, 24, who was unarmed, was struck by a single gun shot in Streatham Hill on 5 September 2022.

The bullet that hit Mr Kaba pierced the front windscreen of the vehicle he was driving.

Officers provided first aid at the scene before Mr Kaba, a father-of-two, was pronounced dead in hospital on 6 September, the Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC) confirmed at the time.

Head of the CPS Special Crime Division, Rosemary Ainslie, said on Wednesday: “Following a thorough review of the evidence provided by the IOPC (Independent Office for Police Conduct), the CPS has authorised a charge of murder against a Metropolitan Police officer following the death of Chris Kaba.”

Ms Ainslie added: “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 officer charged with Mr Kaba’s murder cannot be named for legal reasons.

He will appear at Westminster Magistrates’ Court on 21 September.

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.”

Daniel Machover of Hickman & Rose, the law firm representing Mr Kaba’s family, said: “Over the past year, Chris’ family have shown extraordinary dignity and strength as they have demanded answers about how Chris was killed, and sought justice and accountability for him.

“Today’s welcome charging decision brings some hope that justice may be served for Chris, though the family’s wait for answers continues.”

This story is being updated.