Gambiaj.com – (MARAKISSA, Kombo North District, The Gambia) – A late-night raid by the Anti-Crime Unit in Marakissa Village has left the community in shock and outrage, following the violent arrest of Yahya Camara on Thursday night around 10 p.m. Reports from the village indicate that the arrest involved excessive force, resulting in injuries and property damage.

Eyewitnesses and residents of Marakissa Village described a chaotic scene where officers forcefully entered homes, using beatings and tear gas to subdue the residents. Three doors and a window were visibly damaged, and a one-year-nine-month-old child sustained severe bruises during the raid.

The incident began with the arrest of Yahya Camara, who was accused by Ebrima Jallow of stealing ‘nopal’ credit, initially claimed to be D1,900 and later increased to D19,000. Despite suggestions to verify the claims with GSM companies, the matter was escalated to the Anti-Crime Unit. According to Ms. Amie Camara, officers had visited their compound twice before but did not find Yahya.

On the night of the incident, Yahya Camara returned home for the weekend. Ms. Camara recounted hearing his cries for help as officers beat him. When her brothers intervened, they were also assaulted. The officers then proceeded to raid the compound, causing extensive damage and injuring several family members, including their septuagenarian mother and the toddler.

“We pleaded for them to stop and assured them Yahya would surrender, but they continued to beat us,” said Ms. Camara. She described how the officers used tear gas and fired a gun to intimidate them. Kaddy Camara, another witness, added that the officers threatened to kill them if they made any noise.

The Camara Kunda family reported that some of their belongings were missing after the raid. They are now seeking justice for the inhumane treatment they endured.

In response to the incident, Police Spokesperson Cadet Assistant Superintendent Modou Musa Sisawo acknowledged the arrest but denied the use of tear gas. He stated that the commotion arose from resistance by the villagers, resulting in the injury of four officers. He also mentioned that medical attention was available at the Anti-Crime Unit’s clinic for those injured.

The Camara Kunda family remains adamant about pursuing justice, emphasizing the brutality they experienced and calling for accountability from the police officers involved. As the village grapples with the aftermath of the raid, concerns about community safety and police conduct continue to mount.