Gambiaj.com – (BANJUL, The Gambia) – The Gambia Police Force (GPF) has confirmed the suspension and detention of four officers linked to the death of Omar Badjie, who died after a police pursuit last week in Mandinary. The officers were arrested on 28 September and remain in custody as the State prepares to launch an independent Coroner’s Inquest.

In a statement issued on Thursday, the GPF said a postmortem examination was carried out by a pathologist in the presence of relevant stakeholders. The body was later handed over to the family and buried on 1 October.

“The Gambia Police Force reaffirms its commitment to a transparent and impartial investigation and assures the public that justice will be diligently pursued. Anyone found wanting will face the full force of the law,” the statement read.

The incident has stirred public outrage in Mandinary, with residents demanding justice and questioning the conduct of police patrols in the community. Local leaders have also called for greater accountability and a thorough review of policing methods, citing a growing distrust between security forces and citizens in rural settlements.

The case of Omar Badjie comes against the backdrop of earlier tensions in Mandinary, where residents had previously complained of police heavy-handedness and lack of community engagement.

Civil society actors argue that the current inquest will be a test of the state’s willingness to uphold human rights and restore confidence in law enforcement institutions.

As the coroner’s inquest moves forward, all eyes remain on the outcome. Many Gambians view the process not only as a quest for justice for Omar Badjie’s family but also as a broader reckoning with police conduct in the country.