“Who Killed the Cops?” Gambians Demand Answers After Court Acquits Suspect

By Makutu Manneh

The acquittal last week of Ousainou Bojang in the fatal shooting of two police officers has sparked widespread outrage in The Gambia, with citizens taking to social media to demand answers the justice system has yet to provide.

On the Gambia Police Force’s official Facebook page, users inundated the comments section with a single, persistent question: “Who killed the cops?” Some posts appeared dozens of times in a single day, turning the page into a de facto forum for public frustration. When authorities briefly disabled comments, online protests intensified, prompting the police to reopen the discussion.

The High Court cleared Bojang of all charges in the deaths of Constables Pateh Jallow and Sang J. Gomez, who were shot in September 2023 at the Sukuta-Jabang traffic light. A third officer, Constable Ancy Jawo, was wounded in the attack. The killings had already shocked the nation, prompting calls for justice and accountability.

For many Gambians, the acquittal represents not only an unresolved crime but also broader frustrations with the country’s criminal justice system. On Facebook, one user wrote, “We demand answers. How can two officers die and no one be responsible?” Another posted, “This is not justice—it is silence.”

Authorities have remained largely silent amid the online outcry. The Gambia Police Force has not issued a public statement addressing the surge of comments or outlining next steps in the investigation. Legal experts note that the acquittal does not necessarily preclude further investigations, but the lack of transparency has fueled public distrust.

For the families of Jallow and Gomez, the verdict has left a profound void. The Director of Public Prosecutions has indicated plans to appeal the acquittal of Ousainou Bojang and his sister, Amie.

As the debate continues online, the central question remains unanswered, leaving a nation watching, questioning, and demanding accountability from the authorities entrusted with their protection.