Chris Kaba was ‘core member’ of one of London’s most dangerous gangs | UK | News

[ad_1]

Chris Kaba was a “core member” of one of London’s most dangerous gangs and was accused of being involved in two shootings in less than a week before he was killed by a police marksman, it can now be reported.

He was accused of shooting a rival gang member in a nighclub in September 2022 and would have stood trial for attempted murder had he not been shot dead by officer Martyn Blake just six days later. 

Gunshot residue was found on his sleeve and balaclava on the night he was killed – September 5 – which was believed to have been from a second shooting the night before.

Kaba was previously convicted for possession of weapons, and the Audi he was shot in had been linked to three previous firearms incidents in just five months. 

This information can now bve revealed following the lifting of reporting restrictions by Justice Goss at the Old Bailey on Tuesday.

Blake was cleared of murdering Kaba in the same court on Monday, after shooting the 24-year-old through the windscreen of the Audi two years ago. 

Kaba’s mother, Helen Lumuanganu, has been fighting to keep a ban on revealing more details of the incident until an inquest into her son’s death in complete, but this was rejected. 

Deputy Assistant Commissioner Stuart Cundy argued in a letter to court that “open and transparent public disclosure” of  Kaba’s character would “significantly reduce the risk of unrest on the streets of London and keep the public safe”. 

Before Kaba was shot dead, police knew the Audi Q8 had been used as a getaway car in Brixton, South London, the night before, but they did not know it was Kaba driving it.

They also knew it was linked to the shooting six days previous at the Oval Space nightclub in Hackney, for which Kaba would have faced an attempted murder charge.

There is allegedly footage of Kaba firing a gun in the crowded club and at a victim outside – believed to be Brandon Malutshi, a member of the rival 17 gang. 

Before Blake’s trial, his lawyers argued that the jury should hear about Kaba’s history as it would explain why he was running from police, but in the end it was never revealed as a senior judge said it had no bearing on the issues jurors were deciding upon. 

Following Blake’s aquittal, Kaba’s family said they are “devastated” and would keep fighting for justice for their son. 

Blake will be immediately reinstated to his job but will need to undergo refresher training before being deployed operationally. Watchdog the Independent Office for Police Conduct will decide whether he should face disciplinary proceedings.

[ad_2]

Leave a Comment

url url url url url url url url url url url url url url url url url url url