Chris Kaba, who was shot and killed by Metropolitan Police officer Martyn Blake in September 2022, has been revealed as a key suspect in a nightclub shooting just days before his death. The 24-year-old, described by authorities as a “core member” of the notorious Brixton Hill-based 67 gang, was accused of attempting to murder a rival gang member in a violent altercation at The Oval Space nightclub in Hackney.
Reporting restrictions surrounding Kaba’s gang affiliations, criminal history, and involvement in the shooting have been lifted following the acquittal of Officer Blake, who was cleared of murder charges by Mr. Justice Goss.
Nightclub Shooting Details
On the night of August 30, 2022, Kaba allegedly fired shots at Brandon Malutshi, a member of the rival 1-7 gang from Wandsworth Road. Malutshi was hit twice in the legs, once on the dancefloor and again as he fled outside. Witnesses identified Kaba, who was wearing a balaclava, as the shooter. It was reported that he used a revolver smuggled into the club by an associate, Marcus Pottinger.
Kaba left the scene in a Range Rover, while another associate, Shemiah Bell, drove the Audi Q8— the same vehicle Kaba was later driving when he was shot by police—to a different location for Kaba to retrieve. The Audi had been linked to several other violent incidents, including a shooting in Bromley in May 2022 and another near a Brixton school the night before Kaba’s death.
Police Encounter and Investigation
On September 5, 2022, Kaba was fatally shot by Officer Martyn Blake in Streatham, South London, as he attempted to evade police in the same Audi Q8. The vehicle, not registered to Kaba but known to be used by him, was linked to gang activities and previous shootings. Kaba was found with a balaclava in his pocket and gunshot residue on his sleeve at the time of his death.
Though no weapons were discovered in the vehicle, a handgun was later recovered near the route he took. However, this weapon has not been definitively linked to Kaba or the incident.
Kaba’s Criminal History
The lifting of the reporting restrictions also allowed details of Kaba’s past convictions to be disclosed. His criminal record includes offences dating back to age 13, including a stabbing intended to cause grievous bodily harm, a knife assault, and possession of weapons. In 2017, Kaba was jailed for four years for possessing an imitation firearm, and in 2020, he served five months for failing to stop for police and knife possession.
Kaba was due to face trial for the attempted murder of Malutshi and six other men involved in the incident. His name was listed in the indictment for the trial earlier this year, but these details could not be reported until now.
67 Gang Connections
The 67 gang, described as a high-risk street gang with over 50 known members, has been linked to numerous violent incidents, including shootings, stabbings, and drug trafficking. Authorities stated that Kaba was a “principal gunman” within the gang. His affiliation with the group was further established through his appearance in several drill rap videos alongside other members.
Defence barrister Patrick Gibbs KC argued during Officer Blake’s trial that Kaba’s “bad character” should have been presented to the jury as evidence. However, the judge ruled it irrelevant, as Blake had no knowledge of Kaba’s identity when the fatal encounter occurred.
Legal Proceedings and Aftermath
A police report submitted during the trial highlighted Kaba’s involvement in the gang’s activities and described the 67 gang as the “highest harm street gang in Lambeth.” The report indicated that tensions between Kaba’s gang and rival factions had led to multiple violent incidents. Intelligence gathered suggested that there was a potential risk to Officer Blake’s life, as the gang might seek revenge for Kaba’s death.
Following Kaba’s death, his mother unsuccessfully applied to extend reporting restrictions. Despite the legal proceedings and controversies surrounding Kaba’s past, his family continues to mourn the loss, with his parents still struggling to find closure.
Convictions and Sentencing of Associates
Several of Kaba’s associates have already faced legal consequences. Marcus Pottinger was sentenced to nine years for wounding with intent to cause grievous bodily harm and possession of a firearm. Shemiah Bell, known as “Bones,” received a 10-year sentence for similar charges. Another associate, Connell Bamgboye, was sentenced to five and a half years for firearms offences.
Kaba’s criminal record, gang affiliations, and the circumstances leading to his death have sparked significant debate, as authorities and community members grapple with the broader issues of gang violence and policing in London.
