By James Simons-
The Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC) has referred a file of evidence to the Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) following the conclusion of its homicide investigation into the fatal shooting of Chris Kaba by a Metropolitan Police Service (MPS) last year.
The Independent Office for Police Conduct announced a homicide investigation into the officer known only as NX121 shortly after the incident.
It has publicly said no non-police issue firearm was recovered from the scene where Kaba came face to face with armed police.
Kaba, 24, was killed by a single gunshot on 5 September 2022 in Streatham, south London.
He was in a dark Audi car, which came to a halt and was boxed in by police
Mr Kaba died after he was struck by a single gunshot fired by a MPS officer into the vehicle he was driving on September 5, 2022, in Streatham Hill, South London
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.
“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.”
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.”
The Met Police marksman who fired the fatal shot was suspended.
In a joint statement, 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 CPS to do their bit and provide their advice to the The Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC) urgently.”
IOPC director Amanda Rowe said the referral does not necessarily mean that criminal charges would follow.
She added: “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.
“It is now for the CPS to decide, applying the tests in the Code for Crown Prosecutors, whether or not to prosecute the officer.”
The Mayor of London, Sadiq Khan, said: “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.”