Chris Kaba: Police watchdog to examine whether race was a factor in fatal shooting

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Andrew Feinberg

White House Correspondent

The police watchdog will examine whether race was a factor in the fatal shooting of an unarmed Black man by armed officers, as a national day of protests is due to take place.

Chris Kaba, 24, was shot dead following a police pursuit that ended in Streatham Hill, south London, on 5 September.

The Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC) launched an investigation into the circumstances surrounding Mr Kaba’s death and enquiries remain ongoing – though the victim’s family have accused the watchdog of “lacking urgency”.

“We must explore all of the circumstances surrounding Mr Kaba’s death including: how the officers came to be aware of the vehicle Mr Kaba was driving; if they had any prior knowledge of Mr Kaba; and their decision-making and actions on the 5 September,” the IOPC said in a statement on Friday.

“We will also examine whether or not Mr Kaba’s race influenced any actions taken by the police.”

This comes as the victim’s family called a national day of action on Saturday across the UK, with peaceful demonstrations due to take place in London, Manchester, Cardiff, Brighton and Warwick, among other locations.

The Met Police firearms officer who fatally shot Mr Kaba was suspended from duty on Monday, a week after the shooting, following public pressure and requests from MPs.

This reportedly led to the officer’s “angry” colleagues threatening to hand in their weapons in protest.

The IOPC said it had been in contact with Mr Kaba’s family regarding the investigation and confirmed it is expected to take between six and nine months to complete.

Separately, a coroner’s inquest into the death will be opened on 4 October.