Rage, protests in London over killing of Black rapper by Met police

By Al Mayadeen Net
Source: Agencies
18 Sep 2022 11:57
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24-year-old Chris Kaba was coldly shot dead by Metropolitan Police, which many believe was triggered by racial profiling.

24-year-old Chris Kaba

The shooting of an unarmed Black man in the UK has triggered more than a week of protests against police brutality targeting black people with claims of racial profiling surfacing.

Dozens of protesters gathered outside London’s Metropolitan Police HQs on Saturday, accusing the force of racism following the fatal shooting of 24-year-old Black man, Chris Kaba.

Kaba succumbed to a gunshot wound to his head when he was shot by a Metropolitan Police Service (MPS) officer on September 5 in Streatham Hill, London.

While a homicide investigation is underway by the Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC), a firearms officer has been suspended. Kaba’s family has demanded a swift conclusion to the investigation. However, the IOPC said it could last up to nine months.

Writer Chis Sibia said, "He had no weapon. So why was he shot? Why was he killed? He’s got a child on the way. His child is going to grow up with no dad. Why?"

"We’ve had enough of injustice. There are countless events with black people being shot, in some cases killed, pushed over, heart attacks, killed by police," he added.

"And we’re not offered the same justice other ethnic groups are."

No family should have to go through the pain Chris Kaba’s family have suffered following his killing last week.

My thoughts are with them as they fight for justice and accountability for his death. https://t.co/yHg5BfUG73
— Jeremy Corbyn (@jeremycorbyn) September 12, 2022

IOPC Regional Director Sal Naseem said the IOPC's focus is on progressing a thorough and effective investigation and our priority is to communicate with the family and update them as the investigation develops.

"We fully appreciate that Chris Kaba’s devastated family and the community have a lot of unanswered questions about his death."

"We have been in further contact with Chris’s family this week to answer a number of questions they have and to offer them privately and confidentially the opportunity to view video footage as soon as it is practicable."

Metropolitan Police Assistant Commissioner Amanda Pearson said the force “fully supports” the investigation.

"We continue to fully support the IOPC investigation as they work to establish the facts and try to answer the many questions Mr. Kaba’s family and others have around his tragic death," she said.

Student protester Sanai Dixon-Thomas called for a video of the incident to be released to the family.

“I think we’re all here in hope of that happening, and soon as well,” Dixon-Thomas said.

Last June, the metropolitan police was placed under special measures after a long series of scandals.

Met Police - the UK’s largest police force - placed into special measures.

Follows failures over Sarah Everard and Stephen Port murders.

Extraordinary for the force which also investigated partygate to be found so lacking in trust and competence.
— Paul Brand (@PaulBrandITV) June 28, 2022

His Majesty’s Inspectorate of Constabulary and Fire and Rescue Services (HMICFRS) said on its website it was “monitoring” the Met to help it improve with special focus on the following:

- MPS’ counter-corruption arrangements and other matters related to the findings of the Daniel Morgan Independent Panel.

- Systemic concerns identified in the most recent (as yet unpublished) PEEL inspection.

- Risks associated with the forthcoming implementation of two major IT programmes.

- Several high-profile incidents that raise ongoing concerns about the force’s performance, or that are likely to have a chilling effect on public trust and confidence in the MPS.