Touba police arrest suspects in gang rape and blackmail case

Police in Touba have arrested several individuals following a violent assault and subsequent blackmail scheme in the Niary Pneus neighborhood. The incident occurred during the night of August 3-4, 2026, when a young woman and her partner, who had traveled from Dakar for the Magal of Touba, were intercepted by five men in a poorly lit area.

According to investigators, one suspect threatened the young man with a machete, forcing him to flee and leaving the woman alone. The victim was then taken to a construction site where she was subjected to collective sexual violence. During the assault, the perpetrators used mobile phones to record the victim without her consent.

The following day, the suspects allegedly attempted to blackmail the victim, demanding sexual favors under the threat of releasing the intimate footage on social media. Following a formal complaint, the Ndamatou District Police conducted a sting operation by simulating an acceptance of the blackmailers' demands.

This operation led to the arrest of several suspects, including N. Dieng and B. Z. Thiam, who admitted to their roles in the aggression and the illicit filming. Additional arrests included B. M. Ndong and S. M. Guèye, who was apprehended for extortion. The suspects are being prepared for presentation before the Diourbel High Court, while police continue their investigation.