In Police officer’s kidnapping case Prosecution witness absent

The on-going criminal trial involving Omar Jarjusey and Karamo Saidy, both personnel of the Gambia Police Force (GPF), was on Monday adjourned to 9th October, 2007, by Senior Magistrate Buba Jawo of the Bundung Magistrates’ Court.

The officers first appeared in the court on Monday March 12, charged for conspiracy, kidnapping and robbery, with violent conduct, contrary to Section 368,236 and 273 of the Criminal Code, Laws of The Gambia 1990.

According to the particulars of the offence, count one stated that on March (1) 2007, at Kololi in the Kombo Sait Mary, Omar Jarjusey and Karamo Saidy connived and stole the sum of 3000 Euros from one Mr John.

Count two revealed that, in the month of March 2007, at Brufut Kombo North Western Region, the two accused persons kidnapped or abducted one Mr John at Elephant Guest House, Brufut from 1st to 2rd March 2007.

Count three also indicated that, on 1st of March 2007, at Kololi in the Kanifing Municipality, Omar Jarjusey and Karamo Saidy forcefully robbed one Mr John and Johanese of 3000 Euros.

When the case was called on Monday, Police Prosecutor, Sergeant 772 Samateh of the Bundung Police Prosecution Unit, informed the court that he cannot precede with the case, due to the absence of his second witness, who is to be cross-examined by the Defence Counsel, Lawyer Kamara. He then applied for an adjournment and further told the court that in the event that his second witness fails to appear on the next adjournment date, he would apply for the second witness’ evidence to be expunged; and proceed with the third witness.

This application was then granted by Magistrate Jawo, following the Defence Counsel’s no objection.