The Gambia police have responded to widespread criticism and allegations doing the rounds on social and conventional media about an alleged mistreatment of popular artist Killa Ace.
The singer alleged that the police manhandled him in Serekunda last week.
His allegation attracted widespread condemnation by the public of the alleged brutality.
Last night the police issued a statement explaining their side of the story which they said is a reaction to newspaper editorial on the matter.
“It is a wide known fact that the section of the Serekunda market known as ‘Black Market’ is mainly the place where thieves, burglars, robbers, etc, usually dispose properties stolen from victims of crime. For these reasons, operatives of the Gambia Police Force usually monitor and conduct surveillance to track down stolen properties linked to reports and complaints.
On Monday the 29th October 2018 around mid-night the police conducted a routine ‘stop and search’ operation at the ‘Black Market’. Individuals who couldn’t give proper account of valuables in their possession were taken in for further questioning.
Ali Cham alias Killa Ace, was found at the ‘Black Market’ during such odd hours of the night. He was found with a bag containing suspected stolen properties. He requested for the identity of officers which was done straightaway but he refused to be searched and further went on insulting officers while posing serious physical resistance and to top it all he assaulted a uniformed officer and tore apart both his uniform shirt and trouser.
Ali Cham’s claim of being tortured by the police is unfounded for everything that transpired was according to due process of the law. He has been cautioned, charged and eventually arraigned before the court in accordance with the rule of law and constitution of the Gambia.
Meanwhile, the Gambia Police Force established two units at the police Headquarters to investigate alleged professional misconducts and human rights violations. Officers found wanting will be brought to justice for transparency and accountability. Therefore the GPF does not entertain brutality and mishandling of civilians and such avenues are open to the general public at all times. Killa Ace’s claim cannot be ascertained as he made no such report to the police.
It is important to note that efforts by the GPF to curb crime will not be jeopardize by any individual or groups irrespective of personality or status.
The GPF would take this opportunity to urge Gambian youths to direct youthful energy into productive endeavors while desisting from crime and its related vices. The GPF’S mandate is to enforce laws enacted by our representatives for safety and security of the public.”
Signed:
ASP Lamin Njie
Public relations officer
