Ansey Jawo, a police officer seriously injured in a 2023 shooting that claimed the lives of two colleagues, has for the first time spoken publicly about the traumatic event and its ongoing effects on her health and work.

The incident occurred on the night of 12 September 2023 at the Sukuta Traffic Lights Junction, where Jawo was on duty with two male colleagues who were fatally shot by a gunman. The suspect, Ousainou Bojang from Brufut, denies the charges in an ongoing trial at the High Court.

As reported by The Standard, Jawo described the lasting impact of the attack on her wellbeing, saying, “I am still suffering from some anxiety and episodes of trauma whenever this incident comes to mind. It would be difficult for me to totally get over it. Yes, I am coping but the only problem is the pains I feel in my body.”

She revealed that after being discharged from hospital, a police delegation visited her with some assistance, including five bags of rice, two gallons of oil, and about D5,000 in cash.

In addition, she received injury compensation of D15,000 paid through the Social Security and Housing Finance Corporation.

Jawo also spoke about ongoing health challenges: “Whenever I start experiencing these pains, I would call one Solo Gibba at the police medical department and he would arrange a vehicle to come and pick me from home to see a Cuban doctor. Even last week, I had a checkup because I was experiencing some pains in my chest, ribs and other parts of my body often characterised by difficulty in breathing.”

She noted that while the police provide transport for her medical appointments, she buys her medicines with her own money. Despite resuming work and being promoted to a new unit, Jawo said she does not consider herself fully recovered.

Regarding financial support, Jawo confirmed that a donation of D100,000 by President Adama Barrow, who visited her after the incident, was handled by her father and used to cover medical expenses. She was also aware of other donations by police officials but was unaware of the amounts.

Her father, Pateh Jawo, himself a police officer, expressed gratitude to the Inspector General of Police and the government for their continued support.

By Adama Makasuba