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A tragic accident in central Garowe on Monday night claimed the lives of a Puntland police officer and a rickshaw rider, raising fresh concerns about discipline and drug use within the region’s security forces. The crash happened around 11:00 p.m. when a vehicle driven by a member of the presidential guard, who is reportedly a close relative of the Puntland president, collided with a moving rickshaw. The impact proved fatal for both the rickshaw rider and the police officer, identified as Abdirahman Yusuf Ahmed, a young officer who had recently joined the force and was considered one of its promising recruits.
According to the Puntland Police Command, the officer driving the vehicle was under the influence of drugs at the time of the crash and was also armed. Authorities said he attempted to escape immediately after the accident and resisted the security personnel who responded to the scene. He was eventually arrested after being subdued and sustained minor injuries during the process.
The incident has drawn significant attention because it highlights growing concerns about misconduct among some members of the security forces. Officials say that despite recent reforms aimed at improving discipline, professionalism, and public trust, cases involving officers who use drugs remain disturbingly common. These incidents continue to create challenges for law enforcement and undermine efforts to strengthen security and accountability in Puntland.
The Criminal Investigation Department has opened a formal investigation to determine the full circumstances of the crash, including the suspect’s condition at the time and whether any systemic issues within the force contributed to the tragedy. Authorities have also indicated that appropriate legal action will be taken once the inquiry is complete.
The deaths of the police officer and the rickshaw rider have sparked public grief and frustration, with many community members calling for stricter enforcement of internal standards, routine drug testing for officers, and stronger oversight of security personnel who hold sensitive positions. As the investigation progresses, the incident is expected to intensify discussions about necessary reforms to ensure that officers responsible for public safety meet the highest standards of conduct. The government now faces renewed pressure to address these longstanding issues to prevent such tragedies from happening again.