Jeweler killed in the Mbao industrial zone: "It could have been me," a return to the scene of the crime

On Sunday, October 18, Seneweb described the horrific scene discovered the previous day in a jewelry store in the Mbao industrial park . On Saturday, October 17, at approximately 9:28 p.m., the Rufisque central police station was alerted to the discovery of the lifeless body of Modou Khabane Guèye, a 55-year-old jeweler. Police officers and forensic technicians went to the scene to conduct the initial investigation. Traces of blood on the walls suggested a violent struggle. The body showed signs of a deep head wound, as well as bruises on the left forearm and right thigh.

A few days after the tragedy, emotions remain high in the neighborhood. In a report from the scene of the crime, Le Soleil describes businesses that have reopened, but where fear remains palpable. The jewelry store, located on the ground floor of a building between a construction site and a laundromat, remains closed behind its metal doors. "It could have been me": this phrase recurs in the testimonies of the shopkeepers, still deeply affected by the death of their neighbor, stabbed in his establishment.

Pape Sylla, who runs a neighboring shop, recounts rushing to the scene with other residents after being informed of the murder by the manager of the laundromat. The jewelry store door was locked, and through the glass door, they could only make out the deceased's feet. He remembers him as a discreet, generous, and well-liked man, whom he often met at the mosque every Friday.

Fear is also running high among shopkeepers who handle large sums of money daily. The manager of a money transfer point, who prefers to remain anonymous, told Le Soleil that she spent a sleepless night after the murder. Although her establishment is equipped with surveillance cameras, she had the counter grilles reinforced to prevent any intrusion. She explained that she fears the behavior of some customers who seem to be watching the camera locations.

Read also : "Assassination of Modou Khabane Guéye in the Mbao district: Touba jewelers demand justice and appeal to President Diomaye"

This concern is shared by jewelers. In an interview with Le Soleil, Moussa Niang, coordinator of the Collective of Jewelers' Associations of Senegal, stated that the profession had never experienced such a violent murder in a workplace, despite a history of thefts and burglaries. The collective plans to meet with authorities, including the public prosecutor and the Ministry of the Interior, to request increased security.

“The state must play its role, particularly by increasing patrols in markets and areas with a high concentration of jewelry stores,” argues Moussa Niang. The interviewee for the national daily newspaper also mentions the establishment of dedicated emergency numbers and the possibility of facilitating access to firearms permits for professionals.