Two Teenagers, 14 and 15, Charged with Murder of Drum Player After Homophobic Taunts

The Community Policing Unit of Tivaouane-Peulh, under the Rufisque Gendarmerie Company, has concluded its investigation into the murder of drum player Malick Ndiaye. The swift inquiry, led by the men of Warrant Officer Sow under the supervision of Rufisque Chief Prosecutor Cheikh Diakhoumpa, has identified E. Gomis, a 14-year-old 6th-grade student, as the alleged killer. The investigation further reveals that I. Sow, a 15-year-old tile setter, is his accomplice.

According to Seneweb sources, I. Sow restrained Malick Ndiaye, allowing E. Gomis to stab him with a knife. The victim was buried by his family yesterday.

The investigation has also exonerated I. Ndiaye, a 13-year-old student, and A. Diouf, a 14-year-old student. These individuals have moved from suspect to witness status. They were released by the gendarmes following judicial approval.

This Tuesday, March 17, the alleged murderer E. Gomis and his accomplice I. Sow were brought before the Rufisque prosecutor's office in Diamniadio. Prosecutor Diakhoumpa requested the opening of a judicial inquiry. The two suspects were subsequently charged and placed in pre-trial detention by the investigating judge of the first cabinet.

The pair were transferred to the Hann Remand and Correctional Center, known as "ex-Fort B," a penitentiary facility exclusively for minors aged 13 to 18 who are in conflict with the law.

To recap, the drum player was subjected to homophobic slurs before being killed. The incident began when a group of youths verbally attacked Malick Ndiaye in Wolof: "Yen teug kat sabar yi ay gor djiggën nguène" (drum players are homosexuals).

Feeling deeply insulted, the victim decided to respond to the affront by engaging in a physical fight with his accusers. It was during this brawl that he was stabbed. Rushed to the Tivaouane-Peulh health post, Malick Ndiaye did not survive his injuries and succumbed en route.