A Met Police officer has walked free from court after being cleared of murdering Chris Kaba. Officer Martyn Blake shot the unarmed 24-year-old in a late-night stop in South London. The jury at the Old Bailey took less than three hours to find him not guilty.
The case shocked London in September 2022. Kaba, a soon-to-be father, died after a single bullet struck his head. He was driving an Audi that police wrongly thought was linked to a gun crime. The car belonged to someone else.
This verdict comes at a tense time. Trust between police and young people, especially in Black communities, is low. Chris Kaba’s death led to street protests across London. His family fought for justice for 18 months.
This high-profile case is the first in 25 years. A Met officer faces murder charges for an on-duty shooting. The quick verdict surprised many people. Some call it justice. Others say it shows deep problems in our legal system.
The Night It Happened
The events unfolded rapidly on September 5, 2022. Chris Kaba was driving an Audi Q8 through Streatham when he spotted police following him. “I think there are police behind me,” he told a friend. Police had their eyes on the car for a reason: It was linked to a Brixton shooting the night before.
Officers didn’t know Kaba was driving. They tracked the car with automatic number plate recognition (ANPR). After finding it in Kirkstall Gardens, they tried to contain it. They tried to box in the Audi with police vehicles. The situation turned volatile within seconds.
The Critical Moments
Police bodycam footage shows the 13 seconds that changed everything. It was intense. Armed officers surrounded the Audi. They jumped out of their cars. They shouted commands at Kaba. The footage shows Kaba trying to escape. He attempted to ram his way free from the police vehicles.
Officer Blake stood near a police BMW. He watched the scene unfold. He made a split-second decision to shoot. His single bullet pierced the windscreen. It struck Kaba in the forehead. Later investigation confirmed Kaba carried no weapons.
Inside the Trial
Blake defended his actions in court. He spoke about fearing for his colleagues’ lives. “I had to protect them,” he stated. Two other armed officers supported his account. They testified they almost fired their weapons, too. The defence painted Blake as a human, not a machine. They emphasised the pressure of split-second decisions.
The jury accepted this explanation, surprising many with its quick decision. The verdict immediately affected London’s police force.
Police Response
The case caused unprecedented reactions within the Met. Over 100 armed officers protested when Blake was charged, giving up their gun permits. This forced authorities to consider extreme measures. The Army prepared to step in to protect London if needed.
Met Commissioner Sir Mark Rowley acted quickly after the verdict. He immediately reinstated Blake. Rowley also criticised the system, calling it “broken” for failing to hold officers accountable.
Community Impact
The verdict sparked immediate protests. Around 150 people gathered outside the Old Bailey. They held signs that said, “This is not justice” and “Police are perpetrators.” Kaba’s family was devastated. They view the outcome as proof of systemic inequality.
The Justice for Chris campaign remains active. They refuse to accept the verdict as final. Campaign member Kayza Rose spoke powerfully: “Police can kill without consequence.” No one is safe while police kill with impunity.”
Young People’s Trust at Stake
It impacts young Londoners’ trust in the police. Mayor Sadiq Khan acknowledges this problem. He points to a lack of confidence in Black communities. The Met provides statistics to counter fears. They handle 4,000 armed incidents yearly. They only fire shots in one or two cases.
New information emerged after the trial. Kaba had connections to London’s drill music scene. He performed under the names Madix or Mad Itch. He had previous convictions. The judge kept this information from the jury during the trial.
The case continues to develop. The IOPC will review if to discipline Blake. The government is looking at how to hold armed officers accountable. Some suggest using military-style courts for police shootings.
The Bottom Line
This case transcends one incident or verdict. It addresses critical issues of trust, accountability, and safety. Young people must engage with these issues. They will shape future police-community relations.
The conversation continues. Questions remain about balancing justice and public safety. The challenge lies in finding solutions that work for everyone. Young voices must contribute to this crucial dialogue.
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