Chris Kaba, a rapper who was due to become a father within months, died after a chase with armed officers that ended in Streatham Hill, south London, on Monday night. His Audi was engulfed by two police cars on the narrow residential road of Kirkstall Gardens and the 24-year-old, from Wembley, was shot dead by an officer. The Independent Office for Policing Conduct said armed officers pursued him after an automatic number plate recognition camera showed the vehicle was linked to a firearms incident in previous days. The warden said “no non-police firearm has been recovered from the vehicle or scene” after a thorough search of the area. Mr Kamba’s family said on Wednesday they were “devastated” and needed “answers and accountability” for his death. In a statement released through the charity Inquest, they said: “Chris Kaba’s family are seeking a homicide investigation into his death at the outset. We told the Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC) today about this request and that we do not want any delay as has happened in other fatal shootings – otherwise we and the wider public can have no confidence that the police will be held to account. “We also want the IOPC to tell us whether or not a weapon was found in any search of the vehicle Chris was driving. We have not received this information even though the shooting happened almost two days ago. “Finally, we are desperately appealing for any witnesses, either before, during or after the pursuit and shooting, to come forward to the IOPC and/or our attorneys at Hickman and Rose. Forensic teams were working at the scene in Streatham Hill on Tuesday (Jonathan Brady/PA) (PA wire) “We are devastated. we need answers and we need accountability. We are concerned that if Chris had not been black, he would have been arrested on Monday afternoon and not executed.” The IOPC said it met with Mr Kaba’s family on Wednesday to update them on its investigation. Sal Naseem, regional director of the range, said: “We recognize there is community concern following this incident and we appreciate questions will remain as to how Mr Kaba tragically ended up being fatally shot after attempting to stop a vehicle. “We are working hard to gather all the circumstances surrounding this incident and want to reassure the community that these questions will be answered in due course, however it will take some time before our investigation can uncover all the facts. While these details are still being confirmed, we ask the public to refrain from speculating about this incident out of respect for Mr. Kaba’s family and anyone else affected.” Mr Kaba’s car and the police vehicles involved in the pursuit were taken to a secure location for a detailed forensic examination. The IOPC said the Metropolitan Police’s investigation into the firearms incident allegedly linked to the Audi was ongoing and “it would not be appropriate to release any further information”. The Met expressed its condolences to Mr Kaba’s loved ones, saying the force understood “the family and the community want answers”. In a statement issued earlier on Wednesday, Commander Alexis Boone said the incident was “extremely concerning” and promised the force would work with the police watchdog going forward. The officer said: “I would like to express my sincere condolences to the family and friends of the man who died and I recognize the devastating and lasting impact this tragic incident will have on them. “I understand that this incident is extremely concerning and I would like to reassure the community that the Met is co-operating fully with the Independent Office for Police Conduct as it conducts a thorough and independent investigation.” Kim Alleyne, right, whose daughter Karimah Waite was engaged to Mr Kaba, described the events as ‘shocking and sad’ (Jonathan Brady/PA) (PA wire) Prosper Kaba, Mr Kaba’s father, told BBC News: “We are really shocked to see that in this century a specialist in the law like the police can cut someone’s life short, especially a young boy.” Mother Helen Nkama, speaking through tears, said: “My heart is broken. I am speechless. My heart is broken.” He added: “I need justice for Chris.” The pastor at a church Mr Kamba, from Wembley, west London, attended as a child said there had been talk in the community about holding a vigil for him. Reverend Siaa-Liane Mathurin, of New Park Road Baptist Church, said: “Chris came to the church when he was young. He was from here, he lived just over the road. “The community is scared. Young people came to me and asked me “why did they shoot him?” “There are families who did not send their children to school today. “I’m talking to community leaders about organizing a demonstration or a vigil.” Floral tributes at the scene (Andrew Quinn/PA) (PA wire) Speaking on stage on Tuesday, Kim Alleyne, 49, whose daughter Karimah Waite was engaged to Mr Kaba, said of him: “He was so loved. He was so funny. He was super kind. Crazy. He was always happy. He would do anything for you. “He was engaged, he was to be married in five months. She has a baby on the way that she’s never going to see. “It’s horrible and so shocking and so sad.” Some paying tribute at the scene said Mr Kaba was a rapper known as Madix or Mad Itch 67. Jefferson Bosella, 27, who was Kaba’s cousin, said: “He was a good man, a good, happy guy. He didn’t deserve this. Nobody deserves this. “Nobody deserves to be shot by the police, whether they’re a good person or a bad person.” Sadiq Khan, Mayor of London, said: “When someone loses their life as a result of the police force, it is important that it is properly and thoroughly investigated. “It is right that the IOPC conduct an investigation into the shooting of Chris Kaba, who we now have confirmation was unarmed. “The IOPC is fully aware of the community’s concerns and the importance of transparency regarding this very serious incident. A community reference group is coming together to improve local engagement.”
