Chris Kaba shot and killed by police in South London, September 2022. His death did initiate a heated investigation and subsequent public uproar. Kaba’s death was during a vehicle stop by police when he decided to try to cut his way out of the stop. This incident has surfaced many questions about whether the use of lethal force against him was justified.
After the shooting, the Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC) quickly opened a homicide inquiry only four days afterwards. This investigation scrutinized the actions of Sgt Martyn Blake, who was part of the specialist firearms unit MO19 and involved in the incident. Last October, an Old Bailey jury acquitted the doomed nationalist Sgt. Blake of any murder charge point blank. Activists took to the streets after this ruling, including Kaba’s family. They expressed their deep disappointment, stating that the outcome served as “painful proof that our lives are not valued by the system.”
Mr Naseem, a representative of IOPC, said it was “unlikely” Kaba was a threat enough to warrant the shooting. He underscored the importance of thorough deliberation prior to any decision to pursue a criminal investigation of Sgt. Blake. Following this, he then referred the case to the much-maligned Crown Prosecution Service (CPS).
“The decisions to criminally investigate Sergeant Blake, and then refer the case to the Crown Prosecution Service (CPS), followed careful consideration of a significant amount of evidence gathered during our independent investigation and by applying the relevant legal tests which govern our work.” – IOPC
In the face of widespread public outcry and condemnation, Mr Naseem defended the IOPC’s decision to refer Kaba’s case to the CPS. He further accepted the jury’s verdict in the case of Sgt Blake, which underscored his promise of transparency and accountability in police use of force.
IOPC strongly rejects the claims being made. Their main argument is that the decision to investigate Sgt Blake was not affected by concerns about possible riots following Kaba’s death. Mr. Naseem stated, “It was fed back to us… that if we hadn’t done it at that time then it’s likely there would have been a level of disorder,” indicating the complexities surrounding public reactions.
The controversy surrounding Kaba’s death has extended to media coverage, particularly a recent episode of BBC’s Panorama, which faced criticism from the IOPC. The organization issued a press statement condemning the failure of the program to respond appropriately to the case, noting violations of numerous guidelines.
“Hugely dissatisfied that, despite admitting these two breaches of its own guidelines, the BBC has steadfastly refused to apologise publicly despite the IOPC providing evidence to show the serious reputational damage caused to the organisation as a result of the programme.” – IOPC
With investigations still underway and public scrutiny being vital, there is more work to be done. The shooting of Chris Kaba is now a central focus in debates surrounding police misconduct and accountability. The Kaba family still seeks justice and answers for the needless loss of their loved one’s life.
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