The IOPC announced today that it had referred a file of evidence to the CPS following the conclusion of its homicide investigation into the fatal shooting of Mr Kaba by a Metropolitan Police Service (MPS) officer on 5 September 2022 in Streatham Hill.
Cllr Claire Holland, Leader of Lambeth Council, and Cllr Mahamed Hashi, Cabinet Member for Safer Communities, said: “We welcome today’s decision from the Independent Office of Police Conduct that the tragic killing of Chris Kaba will be referred to the Crown Prosecution Service.
“Since his shooting by the police in September, his family and our community have been seeking answers and we have been supporting them to do that. Unfortunately, today’s announcement cannot provide all of those answers, but it is a necessary step in the process that must lead to justice. We now urge the CPS to conduct their inquiries as quickly, fairly and transparently as possible.
“Whilst this announcement is welcome, we know it will cause more pain and trauma in our communities who are being let down by their police service.
“Baroness Casey’s devastating report into the Met last week detailed a shocking picture of a force that is failing black Londoners, women and our LGBTQ+ communities. Her report detailed traumatic abuses against Lambeth residents and we’ve heard emotional stories from council staff who have experienced discriminatory and invasive stop and searches because of the colour of their skin, and from women who feel panic, not comfort, when they see the police on our streets.
“Until everyone is safe and protected by the Met rather than being victimised by them, we will keep holding the police to account for their actions.”
