Gambiaj.com – (BANJUL, The Gambia) – Tensions are escalating in Mandinary following the alleged death of Lamin Badjie, a young man, believed to be in his 20s, while in police custody on Friday morning. The incident has sparked outrage and spontaneous street protests by youths demanding justice and accountability from the authorities.

According to community sources, the young man was arrested around 11:00 a.m. and reportedly died shortly after his interaction with the police.

Residents allege that the death was a direct result of police brutality during the arrest, claims that have further inflamed anger and raised fears of clashes between locals and law enforcement officers.

However, the police have offered a different version of events. In a statement, they said, “The police have responded to a reported incident involving the officers and suspects while on routine visibility patrols around and within Mandinary. One of the suspects fell during hot pursuit and was taken to the hospital and confirmed dead.”

The statement added that additional updates on the circumstances of the incident will be provided.

Unconfirmed reports from Mandinary indicate that, in the initial wave of community unrest, some police officers reportedly withdrew from the area for their own safety. These claims have not been officially addressed by the police, but they highlight the tense atmosphere in the town.

As protests continued into the afternoon, authorities faced mounting pressure to act quickly to prevent the situation from spiraling out of control.

Protesters are calling for transparency and accountability over the young man’s death, while the police have urged the public to exercise restraint and allow the law to take its course.

The conflicting accounts of the incident and the growing mistrust between residents and security forces have left Mandinary on edge, with fears that further clashes could erupt if the situation is not handled swiftly and transparently.