Statement following CPS decision to charge Met officer with the murder of Chris Kaba

IOPC director Amanda Rowe said: “Today the Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) has announced that a Metropolitan Police Service (MPS) officer will appear in court tomorrow charged with the murder of Chris Kaba, following an investigation by the Independent Office for Police Conduct.

“The officer and Mr Kaba’s family were notified of the decision by the CPS this morning.  

“The officer, who we are unable to name for legal reasons at this time, will be appearing at the Westminster Magistrates’ Court tomorrow morning.  

“Our thoughts remain with Mr Kaba’s family and everyone affected by this tragic incident.  

“It’s important now that criminal proceedings are able to run their course. We would reiterate the importance of not reporting, commenting or sharing information online which could in any way prejudice those proceedings.”

Chris Kaba died after he was struck by a single gunshot fired by an MPS officer into the vehicle he was driving on 5 September, 2022.

Following the completion of our investigation in March 2023, we referred a file of evidence to the CPS, who authorised the murder charge.  

UPDATE – 8/3/2024
An anonymity order for the officer has been partially lifted and he can now be named as Martyn Blake. The officer pleaded not guilty at a hearing at the Old Bailey and a three-week trial is scheduled from 2 October 2024.