By Kemo Cham
The union representing Gambians in Sierra Leone has expressed dismay at the slow pace of investigation of the death of their compatriot.
Usman Dabor died in controversial circumstances while under police investigation. He was accused of buying stolen items which he alleged sold at his shop.
Dabor’s death provoked protests among youths which led to destruction of properties, including the burning of the private residence of the head of the anti-crime unit of the police.
Over the weekend the Gambian Police announced the detention of scores of youths suspected of involvement in that protests. Among the detainees was a prominent Gambian rap artist, Ali Cham, better known by his stage name as Killer Ace.
Abdul Wahid Thomas, chairperson of the Sierra Leone Nationals Union (SLENU) confirmed to Politico that two of the detainees were also brothers of the late Usman Dabor.
Mr Thomas said they were expecting reports about progress in the investigation of the death of Dabor and instead they heard of the arrest of youths who protested over his death.
Thomas said they are disappointed at the slow pace of the investigation which amounts to denial of justice for the family of the late man, and he blames both the Gambian and Sierra Leonean governments for the delay.
“Sadly enough, both governments are slowing on it. They are dragging their feet too much. And normally they say justice delayed is justice denied,” Thomas said on a telephone interview from Banjul.
He added that there is high level of anxiety over the potential for the continued delay in the investigation.
“It’s very heavy on us. We just depend on what government can do for us. We cannot fight government. We just want the facts. Let justice prevail,” he added.
Thomas said if the investigation is completed, they are expecting that the family of the late man will be compensated, noting that he was a breadwinner who left behind two children and a housewife who has no employment.
Usman was married to a Gambian.
© 2019 Politico Online
