Mogadishu Police Arrest Officer for Fatal Shooting of Auto-Rickshaw Operator

GOOBJOOG NEWS | MOGADISHU: A traffic police officer was arrested on Sunday in Mogadishu after allegedly shooting and killing an auto-rickshaw operator at the Four Gardens intersection, an incident that triggered violent protests in the city.

Outraged by the killing, local youth and motorcycle riders took to the streets, setting a police vehicle on fire in protest against what they described as repeated violence by security forces targeting auto-rickshaw operators.

Somali Police Spokesperson Abdifitah Hassan Adam confirmed the officer’s arrest, stating that he is currently in the custody of the Criminal Investigation Directorate (CID) and will be held accountable.

“The suspect, a member of the traffic police, has been arrested and is being held by the CID. However, destroying public property is unacceptable. The individual responsible for the crime will face justice,” the police spokesperson said.

Eyewitnesses reported that the altercation began as a verbal dispute between the officer and the auto-rickshaw driver before the officer drew his weapon and opened fire.

The incident has reignited public concerns over police accountability and the excessive use of force against civilians, prompting renewed calls for reforms within the security sector.