Gambiaj.com – (Serrekunda, The Gambia) – The Kanifing Municipal Council (KMC) Police Command has issued a strong condemnation of the conduct of its officers involved in the search of a woman accused of theft at the Serekunda Market. The incident, which occurred on March 24, 2025, gained widespread attention today after a video circulating on social media depicted municipal security officers stripping the woman in an apparent attempt to recover stolen money hidden in her underwear.

While initial reports confirmed by the KMC Police detailed the apprehension of one Kumba Secka for allegedly stealing D62,500, along with cosmetic goods, shoes, bags, clothes, and meat, the focus shifted dramatically with the emergence of the video.

Commentators online expressed outrage not only at the alleged theft but overwhelmingly at the “unprofessional” and “shocking” manner in which the municipal officers conducted the body search. Numerous voices questioned why the search was seemingly conducted publicly by male officers, demanding to know why the door was not closed and female officers enlisted for such a sensitive procedure.

In response to the public outcry and the circulating video, the Municipal Police Command issued a press release today, April 21, 2025, addressing the incident.

DCP Sainey Sanyang, of the Municipal Police, stated that he received a report on March 24th regarding the arrest of Ms. Kumba Secka for alleged theft at the Serekunda Market.

The initial report indicated that a search at the municipal police office in Serekunda led to the recovery of the stolen cash and goods, after which Ms. Secka was escorted to the Serekunda Police Station for further investigation.

However, DCP Sanyang expressed his disappointment after viewing the circulating video. He stated, “After watching the videos, I was disappointed in the manner in which the case was handled by my officers. The conduct of the officers involved was unethical, unprofessional, and excessive, with limited regard to the fundamental human rights of Ms. Secka.”

As a result of the video evidence, DCP Sanyang has taken swift action. “I have therefore instructed the officers involved to report to my office tomorrow morning, wherein a disciplinary hearing will be conducted and the matter will thereafter be referred to the appointments and establishment committee of the council for action,” the press release concluded.

This incident has ignited a debate on social media regarding the appropriate protocols for conducting searches and the importance of respecting the dignity and rights of individuals, even when accused of a crime.

The KMC Police’s prompt response and commitment to disciplinary action signal a recognition of the seriousness of the officers’ alleged misconduct and an attempt to address the concerns raised by the public. The outcome of the disciplinary hearing and the subsequent action taken by the council’s committee will be closely watched.