London, October 22, 2024 – A UK police officer has been cleared of murder charges in the high-profile case of Chris Kaba, a 24-year-old man who was fatally shot by armed police in September 2022. The officer, whose identity has not been disclosed for legal reasons, was found not guilty after a lengthy trial that reignited debates over policing and racial justice in the UK.
Kaba, an aspiring rapper, was killed following a police pursuit in South London. Officers reportedly believed his vehicle was linked to a firearms incident. Kaba was unarmed at the time of the shooting, and his death sparked widespread protests, with activists and the public demanding accountability and transparency.
During the trial, the officer’s defense argued that he acted in self-defense, believing there was an imminent threat. Prosecutors, however, contended that the use of lethal force was disproportionate. The jury ultimately sided with the officer, clearing him of murder charges.
The verdict has drawn mixed reactions. Kaba’s family expressed deep disappointment, stating that justice had not been served. “We will not stop fighting for Chris,” a family spokesperson said. Meanwhile, police unions welcomed the decision, arguing that officers must be able to make split-second decisions without fear of prosecution.
The case has intensified discussions about policing reforms, with calls for greater oversight of armed units and improved de-escalation training. Human rights organizations have also criticized what they see as a pattern of systemic issues in policing, particularly in cases involving Black men.
The Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC) said it would review the incident further to assess whether any policy or procedural changes are needed to prevent similar tragedies.