An armed group of police officers has said it will surrender its guns to protest the suspension of their colleague in relation to the shooting death at Chris Kaba (24-year-old father)
The officers are reportedly furious at the IOPC’s decision not to suspend Mr Kaba’s officer in South London.
After a vehicle stop in Streatham Hill on September 5, 2016, Mr Kaba was fatally injured. His Audi was stopped by police in Kirkstall Gardens. This narrow residential street is where one shot was fired from a cop weapon.
While the officer is now restricted in his duties, he can still work with the IOPC as they conduct a homicide probe. The investigation was initiated last week following confirmation that Mr Kaba had not been armed.
A source claimed that the suspension was the result of anger among the ranks. The firearms officer does not receive any additional money for their duties.
They are volunteers, and are feeling increasingly guilty about not having their bosses’ backs.
“There’s no protocol that requires an officer to be suspended after a fatal shooting. It has never happened in other cases, so it is not clear why now.
According to the source, the suspension of the suspect was taken in order to “placate public anger” and the question was asked about the message that it sent to other officers involved in armed conflict who risk their lives each day.
Uncertain how many of the 3200 Met Police officers armed will be returning.
But sources say that the mood has been growing and is becoming more ugly.
On September 5, Mr Kaba (24), who was due to have a baby, was shot and killed by police after a chase that culminated in Streatham Hill.
According to The Telegraph, the Telegraph claims that the armed officers plan to inform their superiors that after the Queen’s funeral they will be stepping down and will no longer carry weapons on patrol.
According to the IOPC, officers pursued Mr Kaba’s car after it was detected on auto number plate recognition. They believed the vehicle was connected with a firearms incident.
Later, police found no guns in the vehicle. The car was also not registered to Mr Kaba.
Campaigners, family members and politicians of Mr Kaba had called previously for the suspension.
Last week, protesters marched to Scotland Yard demanding justice for Chris Kaba.
Hours after Sir Mark Rowley was appointed as new commissioner of police, the suspension took place.
Sadiq Khan (London’s Mayor) stated that suspending the ban is an important decision and that he fully supports it.
This is after Chris Kaba’s family claimed that they weren’t told he was dead for eleven hours. They also demanded video footage of their final moments.
Jefferson Bosela his cousin, spoke on BBC Radio 4’s Today show, saying: ‘The family found out eleven hours. [after he died]So his mother would have woken up, not knowing her son was dead.
Bosela indicated that family members would love to see aerial and bodycam footage and want to know the length of the IOPC investigation.
He said: ‘We want the footage to be shown to the family to have a clear understanding of what happened.’
Jefferson Bosela (the cousin of Mr Kaba) stated that his family wants to see aerial and bodycam footage and how long it takes for the IOPC investigation to be completed.
Yesterday’s IOPC decision to suspend the officer was welcomed by Mr Bosela. However, he said that his family felt they were too slow to respond.
Bosela said that he believed the investigation had been opened and that he should be suspended.
“It’s because the IOPC is moving a little too slowly. We first wanted to open a criminal investigation, which took about three to four working days. Then we asked for the suspension of the officer, which took two more days.
“So it appears that they don’t feel the need to act urgently in dealing with this tragedy.”
Bosela stated that he wanted a schedule of the time it would take to complete the investigation. The IOPC has a reputation for conducting very long investigations. We expect it to move quickly, it should be efficient, and it must be complete.
“We won’t wait for years.” We demand justice as quickly as possible.
This comes just days after protestors gathered in front of New Scotland Yard following Saturday’s shooting.
Harriet Harman, Bell Ribeiro–Addy and other MPs had called previously for the suspension of the officer. They described it as “incomprehensible” that the officer wasn’t disciplined after the shooting.
Bosela stated that his family was interested in knowing if the police had any idea if Mr Bosela was driving the car, or if they were just following it.
“They haven’t given us an answer definitively,” said Mr Bosela.
Speaking to the BBC, he said: ‘I’ve put it out there he wasn’t perfect… but regardless of that nobody deserves to be killed by the police unless there is an imminent or direct threat to the public, which at that moment in time, from what I’m hearing, he was not.’
While they held a Vigil for Mr Kaba at Kirkstall Gardens, Monday night, the family was informed about the suspension.
Bosela explained that while we were pleased with the news, it was a bit late. You must suspend an officer immediately if there is a criminal investigation. You would also be fired from any other position.
“I have no idea why officers are allowed to work when they are being investigated for criminal conduct,” said a police officer.
While they held a Vigil for Mr Kaba in Kirkstall Gardens, Monday night, the family was informed about the suspension
Helen Nkama was Helen Kaba’s first mother to be present at Mr Kaba’s funeral on Monday night.
Bosela stated that Chris’ parents were suffering unimaginable losses. His death was tragic and very difficult due to the way he lived. The are so strong, yet they struggle.
“Chris’ mother said to him at the vigil: “Chris. What were you saying during your final minutes?” It was heartbreaking. It was so heartbreaking.
“Personally I don’t eat. I have lost so much weight. Although I am grieving as best I can, I have my eyes on justice and fighting for it.
He also said that their actions reinforced the lack of trust: “The trust wasn’t there anyway.” The relationship is already broken and damaged. This is how the relationship felt, that trust was gone.
Mr Bosela has set up a GoFundMe and an Instagram account, @JusticeForChrisKaba, for the family’s campaign.
The GoFundMe has already raised £20,000 of its £50,000 goal.
Protesters march from Whitehall down to Scotland Yard in protest of the murder of Chris Kaba.
Amanda Pearson, Met assistant commissioner, stated Monday that the officer was suspended following the death Chris Kaba.
“This decision was reached after careful consideration of many factors including the impact on public trust and the announcement by the Independent Office for Police Conduct of a murder investigation.
“Our thoughts, sympathies and prayers remain with Mr Kaba’s family and friends. We appreciate the concern of communities, especially those from black communities. Thank you to all who have worked closely with us.