The family of Chris Kaba, a rapper fatally shot by armed Metropolitan Police officers, are demanding a murder investigation into his death. The 24-year-old, who was expecting his first child, was killed during a police chase in Streatham Hill, south London, on Monday night.
Kaba’s Audi was cornered by two police cars on the narrow Kirkstall Gardens. Moments later, an officer fired a single round, fatally wounding him. The Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC) has launched a standard investigation into the shooting.
However, Kaba’s family say the probe is being “sugar-coated” and are calling for full transparency from the outset. In a statement released via the charity Inquest, the family said: “The family of Chris Kaba seeks a homicide investigation into his death from the start. We have informed the IOPC of that demand and do not want delays because otherwise, neither the public nor we can trust that the police will be held accountable.”
They also requested confirmation from the IOPC on whether a weapon was found in Chris’s vehicle. “Despite the shooting happening almost two days ago, no information has been provided,” the statement added.
The family urged any witnesses — before, during, or after the police pursuit — to come forward to the IOPC or their solicitors at Hickman and Rose. “We are devastated and need answers and accountability,” they said. “If Chris hadn’t been Black, he would have been arrested, not killed.”
The Metropolitan Police expressed condolences to Chris’s family and the local community, acknowledging the public’s demand for answers. Commander Alexis Boon said: “I want to express my heartfelt condolences to the family and friends. This tragic incident will have a devastating and long-lasting impact.”
Commander Boon confirmed that the Met is cooperating fully with the IOPC’s independent investigation but asked the public for patience. “We are engaging with community leaders and will continue to work actively to reassure the public during this difficult time,” he added.
The community remains in shock. Reverend Siaa-Liane Mathurin of New Park Road Baptist Church, where Chris attended as a child, spoke of the fear and grief felt locally. “The community is terrified. Young people keep asking, ‘Why did they shoot him?’ Some families didn’t send their children to school today. We are discussing organising a vigil or demonstration,” she said.
Chris, also known by his stage names Madix or Mad Itch 67, was described by his cousin Jefferson Bosela as a “good, happy guy” who did not deserve to die in this way. “No one, good or bad, deserves to be shot by the police,” he stated.
Originally published by UKNIP.
