By Nelson Manneh
A suspect in an armed robbery in Ballanghar, Central River Region on Saturday died from a gunshot wound following a confrontation with the police, authorities said.
The suspect, identified as Yerro Sheikh Sowe, a Senegalese national from Rosso, Senegal, was initially stabilised at Kaur Health Centre before being transferred to Farafenni General Hospital, where he was later pronounced dead, according to a statement from the Gambia Police Force.
Cadet Assistant Superintendent Modou Musa Sisawo, the police force’s public relations officer, said law enforcement officers in the region responded to reports of an armed robbery on the evening of March 22. The incident involved two businesses: one belonging to Katim Touray and another operated by a Mauritanian national.
“The timely response and coordination by the police and regional security forces, along with support from the residents of Ballanghar, were instrumental in containing the incident and arresting one suspect,” Mr. Sisawo said.
During the operation, Mr. Sowe was shot and later succumbed to his injuries. A second suspect, Amadou Bah, a Senegalese national from Sare Wurry, was caught by villagers after a coordinated pursuit. Police said Mr. Bah was found carrying a bag containing 29,910 dalasis and 93,000 CFA francs, and that he admitted to participating in the robbery along with three other suspects, all Senegalese nationals who remain at large.
According to Mr. Bah, the firearm used in the robbery—a hunting rifle with three live rounds—belonged to Mr. Sowe. The weapon has not yet been recovered, and authorities are working to track down the remaining suspects, police said.
A team of investigators from Police Headquarters has been dispatched to support the regional response team. The police urged the public to remain vigilant and report any information that could assist the investigation.
“Further updates will be provided as the investigation progresses,” Mr. Sisawo said.
