A Metropolitan Police firearms officer charged with the murder of Chris Kaba, who tragically lost his life during a police operation in south London, has been granted bail after a court appearance.

The officer, whose identity has been protected by an anonymity order, was initially remanded into custody at Westminster Magistrates’ Court. However, at a subsequent hearing at the Old Bailey, bail was granted.

Chris Kaba, a 24-year-old construction worker, was fatally shot in Streatham Hill on September 5, 2022. His family was in attendance during the officer’s initial appearance in court and became emotional during the proceedings.

The anonymity order ensures that the officer can only be identified as NX121.

Mr. Kaba’s tragic demise occurred when he was shot with a single gunshot after his car was surrounded by a police vehicle, and an officer discharged their weapon. Notably, the unmarked police car that had been tailing Mr. Kaba did not have its lights or sirens activated at the time.

Upon turning into a residential street, Mr. Kaba’s path was blocked by a second marked police car, and a firearms officer fired one shot through the windscreen, striking him in the head. It was later revealed that the Audi Mr. Kaba was driving, which was not registered in his name, had been linked by police to a firearms incident that occurred the day before.

During the court proceedings, Mr. Kaba’s parents and other relatives were present in the public gallery. As prosecutor Tom Little KC outlined the case’s progression, some individuals in the gallery were overcome with emotion and left the courtroom.

District Judge Nina Tempia issued a court order prohibiting the publication of any information that could reveal the defendant’s identity, including descriptions.

At the subsequent hearing at the Old Bailey, the officer was granted bail under certain conditions, including residing at a specified address, surrendering his passport, and refraining from applying for international travel documents.

Recorder of London Mark Lucraft KC informed NX121 that a plea and trial preparation hearing is scheduled for December 1, with a potential trial date set for September 9 next year. Additionally, a hearing is scheduled for the following Friday to address the legal order prohibiting the identification of the officer.

The case continues to unfold, with both sides preparing for the upcoming legal proceedings.