Police have opened an investigation into mob assault on a Sierra Leonean man and vowed to deal with anyone found culpable in accordance with the law of the land.

A video circulating on social media showed an angry mob attacking Ousman Kamara, a supporter of President Adama Barrow, for allegedly wearing a t-shirt of the president. 

The police have condemned the act and branded it “ugly and barbaric” and that “it has no place in any civilized society”.

“To this effect, the public is hereby informed that an investigation has been opened and anyone found wanting will be strictly dealt with according to law. 

“The public is further advised to report matters to the appropriate authorities for redress and never must they take the law into their own hands. 

“The Inspector General’s Office wishes to stress that, in a democratic and pluralistic society, individuals are entitled to their opinions, religious beliefs and political affiliations and therefore, no one deserves to be brutalized for such,” the police statement said.

“The Gambia has been known to be a peaceful country which has cordial relations with countries within the sub-region and beyond including Sierra Leone which has strong historical ties with The Gambia.”

“Therefore, no individual or group is allowed to treat citizens of other countries in such inhumane manners. Members of the public are urged to volunteer any information that may be useful to the investigation,” the statement added.

Reporting by Adama Makasuba