Met Police Officer Claims He Thought Colleague Was ‘About to Die’ in Fatal Chris Kaba Shooting
Metropolitan Police marksman Martyn Blake told the Old Bailey jury he opened fire on 24-year-old Chris Kaba in South London because he feared for a colleague’s life. Blake, speaking publicly for the first time, described the moments before the shooting as “filled with dread.”
Chaos in Streatham: Audi Trapped, Police Surround
The incident on September 5, 2022, unfolded in Streatham. Police had Kaba cornered in his Audi, trapped between a police car and a Tesla. Officers ordered him out, but the car reversed and lurched back and forth. Blake said he heard tyres spin and the engine rev, fearing Kaba might ram police officers.
Blake fired a shot through the windscreen, hitting Kaba in the head. Kaba later died from the gunshot wound.
“I Thought One of My Colleagues Was About to Die,” Blake Testifies
“I had a genuine belief that there was an imminent threat to life. I thought one or more of my colleagues was about to die,” Blake told the court. “If I hadn’t acted, I thought one of my colleagues would be dead. I felt I had a duty to protect them.”
Blake said he aimed at the driver’s central body mass, as trained. Asked if he intended to kill Kaba, Blake replied, “No,” but admitted the close-range shot could be fatal.
Murder Charge Denied; Defence Claims ‘Moment of Necessity’
Blake denies murder. His barrister, Patrick Gibbs KC, told the court Blake acted out of “necessity” to stop a real and immediate threat. Prosecutors argue Blake either got it wrong or acted unlawfully.
Other officers present confirmed they too were close to shooting. The tension inside the courtroom was palpable as Kaba’s family watched Blake’s testimony.
