By Mustapha Jallow
In the Gambia, twenty-eight (28) males and females were brought before the Kanifing Municipal Court over violation of the road demolition order.
Cadet ASP Modou Musa Sisawo, on Sunday, told this medium that paramilitary officers rounded up a total of 56 people
He said 28 alleged offenders were arraigned at KMC court on November 2, 2023.
He added the individuals were divided into two groups, saying group one comprised 28 people, while the other group also included 28.
“Out 56 arrested {people}, 28 were prosecuted. Seventeen pleaded guilty, and they were fined each D500. But 11 people pleaded not guilty. The other 28 will soon appear before the same court,” said the acting spokesperson of the police.
Cadet ASP Sisawo said the cases for the not-guilty parties have been adjourned to November 7, 2023. He added that the rest of the arrested individuals (28) will be taken to court on Monday, November 6.
“We will continue arresting people who refuse to comply. Regardless of who you are, whether you are a driver or vendor, you will be arrested and prosecuted if you are caught illegally occupying cleared areas,” he warned.
He further urged residents, especially business owners, to avoid re-encroaching their demolished areas, saying anyone found wanting would be punished according to the law. He asked those occupying illegally to vacate their properties or belongings before the operation team arrived.
Currently, he said their target is the highway, but mini roads are also being touched, saying structures, stalls, canteens, and other shops are being struck down in the areas.
Hundreds of structures, stalls, canteens, shops, foreign bureaus, and billboards were knocked down by the demolition officials.
Many victims cried foul for the destruction and damages, and they accused the government of making life very hard for them. At the same time, others pointed at the planning department for poor planning that had brought all this mess.
Others said the authorities should have notified them. They lamented that destroying their shops or structures would cause financial difficulties for them. But the government defended its decision, saying that notices were sent across the country through various channels such as TV, radio stations, and social media. Meanwhile, the exercise is carried out by the police in collaboration with the Department of Physical Planning, including li
