Chris Kaba shooting: Police watchdog refers case to CPS

Killing of unarmed black man by Met Police officer who shot him in the head through the windscreen of a car is referred by watchdog to the CPS to consider charges

• Chris Kaba, 24, was shot dead by police in Streatham Hill, London in September 
• IOPC passed case to Crown Prosecution Service to consider potential charges

The killing of an unarmed black man who was shot through a car windscreen by a Met Police officer has been referred to the Crown Prosecution Service.  

The Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC) has concluded its homicide investigation into the killing of Chris Kaba, 24, and sent a file of evidence to the CPS to consider potential charges.

Mr Kaba died after being shot in the head by a firearms officer in Kirkstall Gardens, Streatham Hill, London shortly after 10pm on September 5, 2022.

He had been followed by an unmarked police car with no lights or sirens turned on in the minutes before the shooting, an inquest previously heard.

Today, the IOPC announced its investigation into the shooting had concluded and that the case had been referred the CPS – though this does not necessarily mean that criminal charges will follow.

Mr Kaba’s family welcomed the move and urged the CPS to prosecute the officer, who has been suspended from duty while under investigation for murder.

The Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC) has concluded its homicide investigation into the fatal shooting of Chris Kaba (pictured) by a Met Police officer

Earlier this month relatives of the Chris Kaba called for an urgent decision on criminal charges in the case (Pictured in October: left, Chris’s uncle Kiyika Nkama Nkamu, second left: father Prosper Kaba, right: cousin Jefferson Bosela and far right: mother Helen Lumuanganu)

The father-to-be was killed by a single shot fired through the windscreen of the Audi he was driving.

Read more: Father-to-be, 24, was UNARMED when he was shot dead by police after chase, watchdog reveals – as his family call for a murder probe and ask ‘if he wasn’t black, would he have been arrested not shot?’

The vehicle had been linked by police to a firearms incident the previous day. Mr Kaba was unarmed and not being treated as a suspect at the time, an inquest heard in October.

In a statement issued through the charity Inquest, the family 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.’

IOPC director Amanda Rowe said: ‘This was a tragic incident and our investigators have been working hard to ensure that our comprehensive investigation has been completed without undue delay and within the six-to-nine-month timeframe we provided.

‘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.

‘A referral to the CPS does not necessarily mean that criminal charges will follow. It is now for the CPS to decide, applying the tests in the Code for Crown Prosecutors, whether or not to prosecute the officer.

‘Mr Kaba’s family and the officer involved have been notified of this development.’

The Mayor of London, Sadiq Khan, said: ‘My thoughts are with Chris Kaba’s family, friends and loved ones today.

‘Chris had his whole life ahead of him and his death has had a huge impact on Londoners, and in particular black Londoners, with anger, pain and fear felt across communities, along with a desire for change and justice.

‘It was vital that the IOPC fully investigated all the evidence before making a decision, and now that they have referred this case to the CPS, I hope it will be considered as swiftly as possible.’

Deborah Coles, director of INQUEST who are representing the family, said: ‘The deaths of black men following the use of lethal force by police are at the sharp end of the racism we see institutionalised in police culture and practice.

‘Chris Kaba’s death has rightly generated significant public disquiet at a national and international level about how the state and its agents are held to account for killing its citizens.

‘The rule of law must apply equally to all citizens including those in uniform. The Crown Prosecution Service must ensure effective and prompt decision making.’

Daniel Machover of Hickman & Rose, who represent the family, said the evidence should have been passed to the CPS sooner.

He added: ‘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.

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