24 year-old Chris Kaba was killed following a police car pursuit on 5 September which ended in South London. An inquest into Mr Kaba’s death will be opened on 4 October. In a statement the Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC) said it would “explore all of the circumstances surrounding the unarmed father-to-be, including whether ‘race’ influenced the actions taken by the police”
Following a viewing of the footage of the incident, the family statement read “Chris Kaba’s closest family were given the opportunity to view some footage of the incident in which he was fatally shot. The facts of this case demand urgent accountability and the family therefore await regular meaningful updates on the investigation and the progress towards a charging decision. The family will not make any further comment for the time being, whilst awaiting further regular updates from the IOPC to ensure that the investigation does the job that it needs to do”.
UNISON also understand that the Metropolitan Police Officer involved in the incident has been suspended while the IOPC investigate.
Our statement from the National Black Members’ Committee to the family reads –
UNISON National Black Members Committee (NBMC) send our heartfelt condolences to the family and friends of Chris Kaba who was killed by the Metropolitan Police. We support the family seeking answers to why their beloved son was killed. We stand with the family and local community seeking justice for Chris Kaba.
UNISON NBMC is dismayed about the death of another young Black man at the hands of the police, and we support this campaign and the fight for justice.
We will continue to support and monitor progress on accountability and redress for systemic racism wherever it exist and call for calm at this time difficult time for Chris Kaba’s family and friends.
