Gambiaj.com – (BANJUL, The Gambia) – In a disturbing incident on the Westfield-Brikama highway, a mobile traffic police officer was assaulted by a van driver, Momodou Lamin Dibba, while she was performing her duties. This incident has sparked outrage and highlights the growing concern over the disrespect and violence faced by police officers in the line of duty.

The altercation occurred on Tuesday, July 23rd, at Cooperative Johnson. Officer Fatou Ceesay was on duty when Dibba, driving a van with station number West Coast 9195C and carrying 14 passengers, began shouting “Brikama, Brikama” to attract passengers. Disputes arose when some passengers questioned the fare, which Dibba had set at D50, despite the official fare being D28.

Officer Ceesay intervened, asking Dibba for his documents. The situation escalated when Dibba used foul language and refused to cooperate. He ignored Officer Ceesay’s directive to turn towards the police station and instead drove past the designated turn, threatening the officer and planning to harm her.

“The driver and his apprentice discussed plans to harm me, but I remained calm and informed my office about the situation,” Officer Ceesay recounted. She managed to steer the vehicle towards a safer area where local boys intervened, stopping the van and ensuring her safety. They assisted in bringing Dibba and his apprentice to the police station.

The court has since convicted Dibba for the traffic offense of failing to display a tariff, and sentenced him to one month of imprisonment with hard labor. A separate criminal court proceeding will handle the assault of a traffic officer case, which is currently pending.

This swift justice serves as a reminder of the risks law enforcement officers face daily and the importance of respecting those who serve to maintain order and safety in the community.

“This is a very beautiful and respectful country. Let us respect our local police,” the commander of the Police Mobile Traffic Unit urged. His appeal highlights the need for a collective effort to ensure the safety and respect of law enforcement personnel in The Gambia.