Gambiaj.com – (BANJUL, The Gambia) – A post-mortem examination on the body of Omar Badjie, the young man who reportedly died after being pursued and arrested by a police patrol in Mandinary on Friday, is scheduled for Monday, 29 September, followed by a coroner’s inquest.
Badjie’s death sparked violent clashes between angry youths in Lamin and Mandinary, prompting the government to dispatch the Minister of Interior, Abdoulie Sanyang, to visit the bereaved family.
Speaking to mourners at the family home on Sunday, Minister Sanyang described the incident as “shocking” and conveyed President Adama Barrow’s condolences to the family.
Sanyang confirmed the suspension of all police officers involved in the patrol that led to Badjie’s death and pledged an independent investigation into the incident.
“I can confirm that all officers on the patrol team have been suspended,” Sanyang said, without specifying how many. “A magistrate will be appointed to conduct court hearings on the case, allowing public access. The police will not carry out the investigation. We want it to be independent so that everyone will know what transpired.”
However, the minister’s assurance that the police would not investigate the case appears to contradict a statement released by the Gambia Police Force on Sunday.
The police said an “investigative panel has been instituted” at Banjulunding Police Station to examine the circumstances leading to Badjie’s death.
“The four officers who were directly involved in the patrol operation have been summoned before the panel. In addition, members of the community, especially eyewitnesses or anyone with relevant information, are strongly encouraged to come forward and share their accounts with the panel at Banjulunding Police Station. All information provided will be treated with the utmost respect and confidentiality,” the statement read.
The apparent discrepancy between the Interior Minister’s remarks and the police statement has raised questions about who will ultimately oversee the probe into Badjie’s death, as the post-mortem and inquest begin this week.
Meanwhile, the police extended condolences to the family and community of the late Omar Badjie.
“The Gambia Police Force extends sincere condolences to the family and community of the late Omar Badjie, whose death in Mandinary is deeply regrettable. The police recognize the concerns this incident has raised and are committed to ensuring a full, transparent, and credible investigation,” the statement added.
