Gambiaj.com – (Jabang, The Gambia) – Two young men were allegedly beaten to death by a mob in Dalaba on Tuesday morning, following allegations that they had smashed car windows in an attempt to steal. The assault occurred shortly before 5 a.m., according to What’s On-Gambia.
Information from family members of the victims confirms that both young men are now deceased. One sister told What’s On-Gambia that her brother and the other youth were both killed and their bodies were left at the gate of her compound.
“My brother and his friend were killed and dropped off at our compound gate,” she said. She also added that some individuals implicated in the beating have been arrested.
The Brusubi Police Station has since launched an investigation into the incident, but the precise motives behind the mob’s actions remain unclear.
The area of Dalaba Estate has previously experienced multiple thefts and robberies. One notable case took place in October 2022, when Gambian authorities arrested nine Nigerian nationals and one Gambian accomplice over a series of thefts in Dalaba.
Stolen items included laptops, phones, and clothing. The suspects were charged with conspiracy, intent to commit a felony, and possession of stolen property. They were later released on bail, a move that sparked strong public outrage in the estate.
In recent months, there has been a noticeable resurgence in incidents of mob justice in The Gambia.
A few weeks ago, a video emerged from Wellingara showing an alleged thief visibly trembling after being doused with ice-cold water by his captors.
Outrage over thefts, burglary, and other property crimes, especially in areas like Dalaba, has led some residents not to rely on law enforcement when they catch a thief.
Authorities and human rights bodies have repeatedly warned that this trend is dangerous. The Gambia Police Force has cautioned youth and the general public against taking the law into their own hands.
The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) has also condemned mob justice as a violation of fundamental human rights, particularly due process and the dignity of all persons.
