GANGSTERS have put up a £10,000 reward for the policeman who killed Chris Kaba.
Sergeant Martyn Blake, 40, and his family are now in hiding.
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Video footage shows the moment armed police surrounded Chris Kaba’s car before the shooting Credit: Submitted
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Kaba was today exposed as the dreaded gangster linked to two shootings in the six days before his deathCredit: Collection
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City police constable Martyn Blake, 40, was found not guilty of Kabina’s murder on MondayCredit: UkNewsinPictures
He has been cleared of murder but faces misconduct charges, angering friends who say he was just doing his job.
Kaba, 24, was exposed as a feared gangster linked to two shootings in the six days before his death in September 2022.
Kaba was killed by a single bullet fired by Sergeant Blake through the windshield of his Audi Q8.
He tried to break free from a police station in Streatham, south London.
READ MORE ABOUT THE CHRIS KABA CASE
The jury took three hours to acquit Sergeant Blake of murder.
The married dad said he shot to protect his car mates.
He was under armed guard during his three-week trial and later returned to his family at a secret, guarded address.
Sergeant Blake’s two children are known to have transferred from the school.
It was claimed during pre-trial legal filings that those associated with the 67 gang, of which Kaba was a key member, wanted to kill the police officer in retaliation.
Blake’s counsel Patrick Gibbs KC quoted an intelligence report on the reward, saying: “The sum offered was £10,000. . . in exchange for Martyn Blake’s personal details, including addresses and vehicle number plates.
Chris Kaba was a ‘principal member’ of the ‘notorious’ 67 gang, which police have linked to shootings, stabbings and murders
“The threat of harm was directed at both Mr Blake and his family.”
Supp Ross McKibbin, of the Met’s counter-terrorism command, said: “In almost 30 years in the service I have never been more concerned for the welfare of an officer.”
One former colleague added: “Martyn will be looking over his shoulder for the rest of his life.”
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Kaba arrives at the Oval Space Club in 2022. Credit: CPS
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The moment Kaba shoots rival Malutshi in a night club Credit: CPS
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Kaba hides a weapon in his bag as he leaves the clubCredit: CPS
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Kaba spots the injured Malutshi outside and runs after himCredit: CPS
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CCTV shows the gun in Kaba’s hand as he shoots his fleeing victim again Credit: CPS
Sergeant Blake was named in March after losing a court battle to remain anonymous.
His name was released in the first place because the officer was charged by CPS.
Meanwhile, the Independent Office for Police Conduct watchdog is reviewing whether Sgt Blake should face allegations of gross misconduct – which could see him sacked.
THE SUN SAYS: The policeman did his job
The only injustice in the case of Chris Kaba is the two-year persecution of the police officer who took his life.
His attempted murder prosecution without credible evidence.
And the £10,000 bounty that malicious criminals have now put on his head.
The grief of the Kabine family is strong and understandable. But it must not hide the truth. He was a violent, gun-toting gangster with a dark record. He was allegedly involved in two shootings in the week before his death.
His supporters claim he was unarmed when he was killed. In addition to trying to crash into a police blockade with an Audi Q8, a two-ton deadly weapon, which represented an immediate threat to life. Sergeant Martyn Blake opened fire to stop him.
After a two-year investigation and a three-week trial, the jury unanimously acquitted him in three hours. Not because the Kaaba “wasn’t important.” Because Blake was innocent.
What prompted the Independent Policing Office and the CPS to investigate this apparently flimsy case?
And have they never considered its effect on the morale of the armed police?
Every day these police officers go to work knowing that they may have to put themselves in extreme danger to protect the rest of us from terrorists or gangsters.
How many of you want to volunteer now, seeing what Sergeant Blake is going through?
No, of course they are not above the law. But a balance must be struck and common sense applied when the killing is clearly justified.
The IOPC must conclude its own investigation today.
Public safety relies on police officers like Sergeant Blake — and more.
Matt Cane of the Met Police Federation said officers “remain amazed that a brave colleague could be charged with murder, doing the job society expects him to do”.
Home Secretary Yvette Cooper is expected to announce the new safeguards for police officers in a Commons statement as early as today.
Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer hailed the “incredibly hard work” of armed police officers.
He said it was crucial they could use their powers with “legal certainty and clarity”.
Deputy Assistant Commissioner for the Met Stuart Cundy said “an open and transparent disclosure of Mr Kaba’s character at the end of the trial will significantly reduce the risk of unrest on the streets and help keep the public safe”.
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There was anger among Kaba supporters over the verdict
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Gunfight scene after Kaba is stopped Credits: Submitted
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The cabin’s violent past is revealed Credit: Tim Stewart
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In 2019, drug traffickers based in Tulse Hill were sentenced to 61 years in prison, many proven to be members of the 67
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A recreation of a police stop on a residential road Credit: Crown Prosecution Service
PROBE TIME PLAN
THIS is how events unfolded two years ago.
30 August 2022: CCTV footage allegedly captured the moment Kaba opened fire on a rival in a Hackney nightclub.
4 September 2022: An Audi Q8 cab is linked to a shotgun attack on a car carrying two people outside a school in Brixton.
5 September 2022: A tactical firearms officer is made aware of a sighting of an Audi Q8, driven by Chris Kaba, after an ANPR camera flagged its alleged involvement in a previous shooting.
The commander declares a firearms incident and communicates tactics to the armed response team. Armed officers chase after a car that had to stop at 10.07pm in Streatham Hill, south London.
As Mr. Kaba starts the engine, a policeman standing in front of the car fires a single bullet through the windshield.
September 6: Mr Kaba dies in hospital at 0.19am. The Metropolitan Police refer to the Independent Office for Police Conduct.
September 7: A statement by Mr Kaba’s family calls for an investigation into the murder.
12 September: The Met confirms officer NX121 has been suspended from frontline duty
September 20, 2023: The Crown Prosecution Service charged the officer with murder. Hundreds of colleagues have reportedly surrendered their gun licenses.
March 8, 2024: Judge lifts anonymity order, appointing Martyn Blake as clerk.
21 October 2024: Blake is acquitted of murder, with jurors at the Old Bailey taking just three hours to reach a unanimous verdict.
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