By: Akoi M Baysah, Jr.
A routine city enforcement exercise in the bustling Redlight commercial district took a dramatic turn on Wednesday when a confrontation between a Paynesville City Corporation (PCC) officer and a pregnant street vendor escalated into a physical tussle, prompting public concern and an immediate response from city authorities.
In this situation, many eyewitnesses have insinuated that the pregnant woman is dead which led to marketers staging a demonstration at the offices of the Paynesville City Corporation.
The PCC has refuted the news of death of the unnamed pregnant woman and said Officer Solomon Boakai was enforcing city ordinances that restrict street vending in designated commercial zones when tensions flared between him and the unnamed pregnant vendor.
Eyewitnesses say the encounter quickly intensified, leaving the woman visibly distressed. The PCC release further that the pregnant woman has been rushed to the John F. Kennedy Medical Center (JFK), where medical personnel confirmed she is in stable condition and receiving appropriate treatment.
In the wake of the incident, PCC swiftly removed Officer Boakai from active duty pending the outcome of a comprehensive investigation.
The Corporation emphasized that safeguarding the well-being and dignity of residents remains central to its mission, and all enforcement actions must be conducted with professionalism and respect for human rights.
“The safety of our citizens is paramount,” PCC stated, assuring the public of a full inquiry into the circumstances that led to the confrontation.
The incident has sparked renewed debate about street vending regulations and the conduct of municipal officers in densely populated commercial hubs like Redlight.
Community members are calling for clearer enforcement guidelines to prevent similar clashes in the future.
PCC extended its concern to the injured vendor and promised transparency as the investigation proceeds.
