A METROPOLITAN Police officer who shot a man dead has been charged with murder, the Crown Prosecution Service has confirmed.
Chris Kaba, 24, died when he was shot through the windscreen of the Audi that he was driving in Streatham Hill, south London on September 6 last year.
The officer, who has only been identified as NX121, is due to appear at Westminster Magistrates’ Court on Thursday.
Rosemary Ainslie from the CPS said: “Following a thorough review of the evidence provided by the [Independent Office for Police Conduct], the [Crown Prosecution Service] has authorised a charge of murder against a Metropolitan Police officer following the death of Chris Kaba.
“Mr Kaba died on September 6 2022 after he was struck by a single bullet in Streatham Hill, south London.
“The CPS reminds all concerned that criminal proceedings against the officer are active and that he has the right to a fair trial.
“It is extremely important there should be no reporting, commentary or sharing of information online which could in any way prejudice these proceedings.”
Kaba’s family welcomed the charging decision and said they hope any trial can take place “without delay”.
Metropolitan Police Deputy Assistant Commissioner Helen Millichap said: “We have fully supported the IOPC investigation as it has worked to establish the facts.
“Today’s announcement is a significant and serious development. We must now allow the court process to run its course so it would not be appropriate for me to say more at this stage.
“Our thoughts are with everyone affected by this case.”
Kaba was followed by an unmarked police car with no lights or sirens on the day he died, while he was driving an Audi that did not belong to him.
He drove into Kirkstall Gardens, a narrow residential street, which was blocked by a marked patrol car, and the marksman fired once through the windscreen, hitting him in the head.
It is rare for police officers to be charged with murder or manslaughter.
According to the charity Inquest, since 1990 there have been 1869 deaths in or following police custody in England and Wales.
Of those there have been 12 cases where an officer has been charged with murder or manslaughter.
There has only been one conviction of a police officer in that time – West Mercia Police Constable Benjamin Monk who was jailed in 2021 for the manslaughter of former footballer Dalian Atkinson.
Atkinson was tasered to the ground and kicked in the head in 2016.
