Gambians are calling for the return of death penalty for murderers amid a rise in killings in the country.

The Gambia has seen a sharp rise in serious crimes  including murder, theft, armed robbery among others. 

And this is despite police reporting that crimes are on the decrease.

Three people were brutally killed in the past weeks in the Greater Banjul Area. The  alleged killers are in police custody awaiting trial. 

However, some Gambians have had enough of the security situation and wants  to see the government crackdown on crime including implementing the death penalty to deter criminals. 

In a Qradio phone-in show over the weekend, a caller said: “we are suffering and insecure while we are paying our taxes. They should really help us and protect us with our properties.”

Another caller who identified himself as an imam also said: “In my view, legalising weapons for protection is not the solution, that will only make the situation more complex. 

“Because if you look at nations that passed such laws, they are regretting it now. How to solve these killings is by enforcing death penalty publicly will help to reduce the killings. 

“This act will make others fear not to commit killings. And again, the judgement of killers should be fast tracked and the security should be beefed up.”

Yet another caller said: “My view on this issue is lack of discipline in people because this was not happening before. 

“Many of these kids committing violations like killing have a history of violence. And I would not blame the insecurity on the government because if it is issues like armed robbery, I can blame the government. 

“But someone who gets up and picks up a weapon and kills someone shows a lack of discipline. 

“The parents should take responsibility and discipline their kids if not this issue will continue.”

Reporting by Adama Makasuba