Police officer who shot Chris Kaba, 24, is charged with murder after rapper was killed a year ago
THE Met Police officer who shot a young rapper last year has today been charged with murder.
Chris Kaba, 24, was blasted after a high-speed police chase in South West London on September 5, 2022.
The man, who heartbroken pals said was expecting his first child, was raced to hospital but tragically died in the hours that followed.
The Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) has now said the police officer who shot the 24-year-old in Streatham has been charged.
Tributes flooded in for Chris - also known as Mad Itch - in the hours after he died, hailing him as someone who always joked around and enjoyed life.
The officer, who cannot be named for legal reasons, was charged after a probe by the police watchdog.
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The cop, who has been suspended from duty, will appear in court tomorrow.
Chris' grieving loved ones have today released a statement, saying they welcomed the charge.
The family said: "Chris was so very loved by our family and all his friends. He had a bright future ahead of him, but his life was cut short. Our family and our wider community must see justice for Chris.
"We welcome this charging decision, which could not have come too soon.
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"Now we await the trial of the firearms officer without delay and hope and pray that justice will be served."
Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC) Director Amanda Rowe said the Metropolitan Police officer would appear at the Westminster Magistrates’ Court tomorrow.
She continued: “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.”
Met Police Deputy Assistant Commissioner Helen Millichap added: “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.”
Just hours after Chris' death his loved ones paid tribute to him.
One heartbroken pal said: "He was going to have his first child. Now his child is going to have no father. It breaks my heart."
He was looking forward to teaching his daughter how to talk and walking and all fatherly duties.
Prosper Kaba
His mum Elaine Kaba fought back tears as she spoke of her devastation outside the family home.
She said: "They’ve taken my heart. My son is gone, I’m heartbroken."
Chris' dad Prosper added: “We’re devastated, we don’t know what to think, we can’t think straight right now.
“He was always joking around, he enjoyed life, he had lots of friends.
“He was looking forward to being a father, his girlfriend is still in shock.
“He was looking forward to teaching his daughter how to talk and walking and all fatherly duties.
“He had wanted to be a father for a long time.”
The musician was part of drill rap group 67, who were nominated for Best Newcomer at the MOBO Awards in 2016.
At the time the horror unfolded, the Met said: "The vehicle was stopped following tactical contact in Kirkstall Gardens, Streatham Hill. A police firearm was discharged.
“An occupant of the suspect vehicle - a man believed to be aged in his 20s, sustained a gunshot injury.
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“London Ambulance Service and London’s Air Ambulance were requested.
"Officers administered first aid prior to their arrival and the man was taken to hospital, where he died at 00:16hrs.”
