(17-01-24) MOGADISHU (Halqabsi News) — The spokesperson for the Somali Police Force, Sadiq Adan Ali Dodishe, confirmed in a press briefing in Mogadishu the apprehension of suspects linked to the stone-throwing incident targeting a bus transporting South West State athletes on 12 January.
Dodishe indicated that the arrestees, captured in a coordinated operation by the Somali Police Force and NISA within Mogadishu, include a group of 11 individuals, among them three women. The suspects are believed to have played a direct role in the assault on the South West State sports team en route to their lodging in the city.
“The combined efforts of NISA and the Police Force have led to the capture of the perpetrators responsible for the South West State team attack, where multiple athletes suffered injuries due to stone-throwing. While several individuals were detained, minors involved were subsequently released,” affirmed Police Spokesperson Dodishe.
He further called for adherence to security measures by government officials and armed forces attending stadium events. Dodishe stressed, “Officials and armed forces carrying unauthorised weapons into the stadium must respect legal procedures and avoid engaging in illegal activities under the cover of government positions.” In addition, the spokesperson announced the implementation of a comprehensive security plan for the Mogadishu Football Stadium, aimed at preventing future security violations.
The arrests coincide with ongoing efforts spearheaded by the Federal Ministry of Sports and the nation’s football federation to re-include the South West State Football team into the stalled inter-state regional race following the South West team’s withdrawal in protest against the incident.
Halqabsi News
