Tombong Saidy of the Unite Movement for Change has criticised the Gambia Police Force for dismissing PC 9760 Sanna Mballow without pursuing criminal charges, saying the decision undermines public trust.

Mballow was sacked over allegations of impersonation and fraudulent withdrawals.

But Saidy said such offences go beyond internal misconduct and amount to criminal acts.

“If these same offences had been committed by an ordinary civilian, they would have been swiftly arrested, charged and brought before a court of law,” he said.

Saidy warned that failing to prosecute could give the impression that the police are shielding their own officers.

“Dismissing the officer without criminal prosecution risks appearing as though the system is protecting its own, even at the expense of public confidence,” he added.

He called for equal application of the law, insisting that accountability must be both real and visible.

“Justice must not only be done; it must be seen to be done. Anything less sends the wrong message to both the security forces and the population at large,” Saidy said.

He urged the Inspector General of Police and the police leadership to uphold transparency and apply the law “without fear or favour,” saying Gambians deserve a police force that maintains public confidence.