The cases referenced by The Standard, including the tragic deaths in Bansang, Wellingara, Dippa Kunda, and Sinchu Malado, were not random acts of violence, nor were they incidents that could be prevented through routine policing strategies such as patrols, checkpoints, or community surveillance. Rather, these were deeply personal conflicts that escalated into fatal violence within the confines of homes.
- The alleged murder in Wellingara took place inside the victim’s house.
- In Bansang Sukuru Kunda Allatentu, the case was allegedly between family members.
- The Dippa Kunda case involved a brother and sister.
- The Sinchu Malado case was a domestic dispute between a husband and wife.
In its February 3rd publication, The Standard reported that “The Gambia Police Force recorded four suspected murder cases” and referred to them as “homicides.” However, it is crucial to emphasize that these incidents were all domestic violence-related, not public or gang-related crimes that could have been intercepted by regular police patrols.
It is crucial for the public to understand that while crime prevention remains the foremost responsibility of the police, no police force in the world, no matter how advanced or well-equipped, can directly intervene in crimes that are conceived, planned, and executed within the privacy of homes. Domestic violence, by its very nature, unfolds behind closed doors, away from public view, and often without any prior indication that an escalation to murder is imminent.
That said, The Gambia Police Force is committed to proactively addressing domestic violence through various initiatives, including:
- Community policing and sensitization to encourage early reporting of domestic disputes before they turn fatal.
- Strengthening laws and enforcement against domestic violence to deter potential offenders.
- Working with social services and civil society organizations to provide support for at-risk individuals in abusive environments.
In line with these efforts, the Community Policing Unit of the GPF has today commenced a three-week community sensitization and engagement on Sexual and Gender-Based Violence (SGBV) and other forms of domestic violence.This initiative aims to raise awareness, educate communities on the importance of early reporting, and foster collaboration between the police and the public in addressing these deeply rooted societal issues.
Importantly, crime rates in The Gambia declined in 2024, as earlier stated by the Inspector General of Police in a radio interview on Coffee Time. Notwithstanding, we have recognized the recent incidents of alleged armed robberies at the very beginning of 2025. The Gambia Police Force will continue to intensify efforts in crime prevention, law enforcement, and community engagement to ensure the safety and security of all citizens.
While we mourn the loss of lives in these unfortunate incidents, it is crucial to recognize that domestic violence is not merely a policing issue, it is a societal problem that demands collective action. Families, communities, and stakeholders must work together to address the root causes of domestic violence, ensuring that disputes are resolved through dialogue, intervention, and support systems rather than fatal violence.
The Gambia Police Force remains vigilant and proactive in its mandate to protect lives and prevent crime. However, it is imperative to acknowledge the limits of policing when it comes to crimes that take place in private spaces, beyond immediate police oversight. Prevention begins at home, and we urge all Gambians to take an active role in fostering peace within their households.
