Fatal Met Police shooting in Lambeth - Chris Kaba

Read information about our investigation into the fatal shooting of a man on 5 September 2022. The man was later named as Chris Kaba. 

Read the factsheet and frequently asked questions relating to this investigation, and a factsheet on the role of the Jury in a criminal trial. 

Timeline of this case:

• 5 September 2022 – Chris Kaba is shot in Lambeth and is pronounced dead shortly after midnight. IOPC begin an independent investigation.
• 9 September – IOPC announce a homicide investigation into Chris Kaba’s death.
• March 2023 – IOPC investigation concludes and decision made to refer a file of evidence to the CPS to consider whether Sgt Blake should be prosecuted. IOPC provisional decision that he has a case to answer for gross misconduct and should face disciplinary proceedings shared with the Met.
• April 2023 – Met agree with our case to answer decision. IOPC then confirm its decision that Sgt Blake should face a misconduct hearing.
• September 2023 – CPS announce its decision to charge Martyn Blake with murder.
• October 2024 – Martyn Blake is acquitted following a trial at the Old Bailey. The IOPC begin reviewing the disciplinary decision, apply to the court for trial transcripts and ask for representations on behalf of the Met, the officer and Chris Kaba’s family about the disciplinary proceedings.
• December 2024/January 2025 - Court transcripts are received.
• February 2025 - Representations from the parties involved are received. The Met’s view is that the IOPC should withdraw its direction. Mr Kaba’s family’s view is that the gross misconduct hearing should go ahead. Sgt Blake’s legal team decline to provide representations but refer the IOPC to the trial transcripts. We then seek independent legal advice from senior Counsel.
• April 2025 – IOPC confirm that the case continues to meet the threshold which requires Sgt Blake to attend a misconduct hearing for allegedly breaching the police standards of professional behaviour relating to his use of force.