Sgt Martyn Blake Avoids Misconduct Panel Over Chris Kaba Fatal Shooting
Sergeant Martyn Blake, the Metropolitan Police officer who fatally shot Chris Kaba, aged 24, will not face misconduct proceedings, according to a ruling by the Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC).
Mr Kaba was killed in Streatham Hill, south London, on 5 September 2022, when his Audi was cornered by police vehicles. Sgt Blake fired a single shot through the windscreen, striking Mr Kaba in the head. He died later in hospital.
The IOPC investigation, which concluded in March, examined whether Sgt Blake’s actions breached professional standards. The watchdog's decision means that, while the officer faces a murder charge, his conduct outside of the direct act of firing the weapon does not warrant internal disciplinary action.
This outcome follows the Crown Prosecution Service’s charge of murder against Sgt Blake in September 2023. He has since been suspended from duty and is currently awaiting trial, having been granted bail. The trial is scheduled for October 2024.
The family of Mr Kaba expressed profound disappointment with the IOPC's decision, characterising it as a "bitter blow" and a "slap in the face". Their legal representatives stated that the family believes the decision highlights a systemic issue regarding police accountability.
Critics argue that the ruling underscores a persistent pattern where officers involved in fatal incidents are rarely held accountable through internal disciplinary processes, even when facing criminal charges. This divergence between criminal prosecution and internal conduct review raises questions about the Metropolitan Police’s and the IOPC's commitment to transparency and accountability.
