MPs demand immediate suspension of officer who shot Chris Kaba

Two local MPs today called for the immediate suspension of the police officer who shot dead Chris Kaba last Thursday.

At an online meeting between Metropolitan police assistant commissioner Amanda Pearson and Lambeth borough commander Colin Wingrove, Bell Ribeiro-Addy (Lab, Streatham) and Harriet Harman (Lab, Camberwell and Peckham) told the Met that it was “incomprehensible” the officer had not been suspended.

The officer has been taken off operational duties.

Chris Kaba was shot in the Streatham constituency. His parents live in the Camberwell and Peckham constituency.

“This is a matter which could not be more serious,” the MPs said in a statement,

“A young man has lost his life and our sympathies are with his parents and his family.  It is incomprehensible that the officer who killed Chris Kaba is not suspended.

“The family, the local community and we as MPs want to see a swift response in recognition of the utmost seriousness of this.

“Chris’ death was on Monday. It is now Sunday and the officer has yet to be suspended.

“We are calling on the Met to suspend the officer today.

“Even moving him out of firearms duties or into back-room duties would not be sufficient in view of the seriousness of this matter.  It must be suspension and it must be now.”

Chris Kaba was fatally shot by armed Metropolitan Police Officers in Streatham Hill on the night of Monday 5 September.

He was 24 years old and shortly due to become a father.

The Independent Office for Police Conduct has announced that it will investigate the shooting as a homicide.