The family of Chris Kaba expressed their deep sorrow and disappointment after the police marksman, Martyn Blake, was acquitted of murder. The incident occurred when Blake fired a single bullet through the windscreen of the Audi Q8 that Kaba was driving, leading to his tragic death at the hands of armed officers in Streatham, south London.
The jury’s decision to clear Mr. Blake left Kaba’s family in shock and disbelief, with a sense of injustice prevailing in their hearts. The family, through a statement by the campaign group Inquest, emphasized that Chris’ life, like many others, seemed to be of little value to the justice system. They vowed to not remain silent and continue their fight for justice and systemic change.
While Metropolitan Police Commissioner Sir Mark Rowley defended Blake’s actions as necessary to protect his colleagues and the city, he acknowledged the personal and professional sacrifice that Blake had endured. The lack of support for officers in such situations and the broken system of accountability for police actions were also highlighted by Sir Mark.
The Home Secretary Yvette Cooper and Conservative leadership hopeful Robert Jenrick both weighed in on the case, emphasizing the complexity and the need to respect the jury’s decision. Jenrick went as far as calling Blake a hero and condemning his prosecution.
The incident unfolded in a matter of seconds, as Kaba’s vehicle was surrounded by armed officers after being linked to a previous shooting. The trial focused on the split-second decision made by Blake, who feared for his life and that of his colleagues. The lack of weapons in Kaba’s car and the officer’s perception of imminent danger were key points of contention during the trial.
Following the shooting, protests erupted, calling for justice for Chris Kaba. The Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC) conducted an extensive investigation and handed over evidence to the Crown Prosecution Service, leading to the trial and subsequent acquittal of Martyn Blake. The IOPC and the CPS respected the jury’s decision, signaling the end of this chapter in a long and painful journey for Kaba’s family.
The case highlighted the challenges faced by police officers in high-pressure situations and the need for better legal protections and support. The statistics around fatal police shootings in England and Wales painted a grim picture of accountability and justice in such cases. The Kaba family’s fight for justice continues, echoing the sentiments of many other families affected by similar incidents.
