Gambiaj.com – (BRIKAMA, The Gambia) – The Brikama Magistrate Court has approved a post-mortem examination for 27-year-old Omar Badjie, whose death after a police encounter in Mandinary has sparked protests and unrest in the community.

Principal Magistrate Anna O. Mendy on Monday ordered that the examination be carried out in Banjul on Tuesday to determine the cause of Badjie’s death.

The decision followed a request from the family, supported by Gambians Against Looted Assets (GALA), which offered free legal services and arranged for an independent doctor.

At the Banjulding Police Station, Counsel Njie, representing GALA, informed the family and local leaders that they had two options: to either request a post-mortem or collect the body without one. After consultations with the ward councillor and youth leader, the family opted for a post-mortem.

Counsel Njie later accompanied the family, community leaders, and a GALA representative to the CID office to meet Commissioner Kujabi, who is leading the investigation.

They were received by Officer Sowe, who engaged with the family on the matter, though the GALA representative was asked to wait outside.

Meanwhile, the Crime Management Unit announced plans to visit Mandinary to reconstruct the alleged events leading to Badjie’s death and gather evidence.

They have urged community elders to appeal to youths to allow officers to carry out their work safely. At least one eyewitness statement has already been obtained.

Badjie’s death has fueled outrage in Mandinary, where residents accuse police officers of beating him before he died. The incident triggered violent protests, during which the local police station was attacked and ransacked. Nineteen youths were arrested during the disturbances and were later released.

The post-mortem is expected to shed light on the circumstances surrounding Badjie’s death, which has become a flashpoint for growing anger over alleged police brutality in the country.