Mogadishu (WDN)- Somali police officers stationed at a checkpoint in Afgooye, Lower Shabelle region, allegedly opened fire on a civilian vehicle traveling from Afgooye this afternoon, after the driver reportedly refused to pay a bribe. Local sources confirm at least three civilians sustained injuries in the incident, with victims rushed to medical facilities in the capital, Mogadishu, for urgent treatment. 

Eyewitnesses claim the confrontation began when officers demanded a payment of 50,000 Somali shillings (approximately $2 USD) from the driver. When the driver resisted, security forces fired shots at the vehicle, striking its occupants. The injured individuals were later transported to Mogadishu, underscoring the severity of their wounds. 

Authorities at the Afgooye Police Command have yet to issue an official statement regarding the shooting. However, the silence follows a recent pledge by officials to intensify accountability measures, including the arrest of a suspect linked to the killing of a civilian earlier this week.  The incident has reignited public outrage over alleged systemic corruption and abuse of power within security checkpoints, a recurring complaint among residents in the region. Advocates are calling for an independent investigation into the shooting and broader reforms to curb extortion practices targeting civilians. 

WardheerNews