THE cop who shot gangster Chris Kaba will not face a misconduct probe – after his furious colleagues protested he was only doing his job.
Scotland Yard chief Sir Mark Rowley hailed the police watchdog’s decision to withdraw disciplinary proceedings against Martyn Blake.
The cop who shot Chris Kaba will not face a misconduct probe Credit: UkNewsinPictures
Chris Kaba, 24, was shot in the head through the windscreen of his Audi by Martyn Blake Credit: PA
Blake killed 24-year-old Kaba with a single bullet fired through his Audi Q8 windscreen as he tried to ram the car through a police stop.
But the ex-sergeant and his family were forced to go into hiding after a bounty was put on his head for the killing in Streatham, South London.
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Kaba, 24, was unmasked as a feared gangster linked to two shootings in the six days leading up to his death in September 2022.
Jurors at the Old Bailey had cleared Blake of murder, but the Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC) then launched a gross misconduct probe.
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Footage showed Kaba reversing into one car before trying to ram his way past a police vehicle Credit: PA
Jurors at the Old Bailey had cleared Blake of murder in October 2024 Credit: UkNewsinPictures
Former Met Police detective Peter Bleksley was among cops who blasted the decision, slamming it as “vindictive, pernicious, and agenda-driven”.
However, the police watchdog has today confirmed they will no longer pursue a misconduct probe against Blake.
IOPC director of engagement Amanda Rowe said: “Our thoughts remain with Chris Kaba’s family and friends and everyone impacted by his death.
“We are acutely aware of the impact of proceedings for everyone involved in this case and have always sought to avoid any unnecessary delays.
“However it was right that we paused progressing disciplinary proceedings until the legislation change came into effect and its impact was clear.
“Having considered both our policy and the representations from the Kaba family and Sergeant Blake, we have today notified them of our decision to withdraw disciplinary proceedings.”
Met Chief Sir Mark Rowley said: “Today’s decision finally brings to an end almost four years of uncertainty for NX121, his family and the wider firearms command, with all the considerable worry and stress that has brought.
“We also recognise the profound impact on Chris Kaba’s family, who continue to grieve their loss.”
“Since NX121’s unanimous acquittal by an Old Bailey jury, and in the absence of any evidence that he failed in his duties, we have been clear and consistent in our view that he should not face a misconduct hearing.”
SHOOTING PROBE
On the night Kaba died, cops began following the Audi Q8 that he was driving because it had been used as a getaway car in a shooting in Brixton, south London, the night before.
They did not know who was driving the car at the time, although it later emerged it was Kaba – a core member of one of London’s most dangerous street gangs.
Officers then stopped the vehicle in Kirkstall Gardens.
Hemmed in by marked and unmarked police cars, Kaba then began reversing and driving forward to try and ram his way out.
Dozens of Metropolitan Police armed officers downed tools in outrage when Blake was charged with murder and the army was put on stand-by to plug the gap.
The cop was cleared after a trial at the Old Bailey in October last year and questions were raised as to whether he should ever have been charged with murder.
The court also heard how a £10,000 reward was issued against Sgt Blake by Kaba’s criminal associates.
Blake was publicly named during his trial as is standard practice, but restrictions remain in place banning the publication of his address or any description or image of him.
