We found three AK47 magazines, others - Police detective tells court

A police detective has disclosed that a search at the house of Alhagie Kebba Kassama of Daranka, a hamlet in Lamin Village, has led to the discovery of 90 live rounds of bullets, three AK47 magazines, three live rounds of bullets and a toy pistol.

Detective Saikou Joof, of Yundum Police Station, made this revelation in an ongoing trial involving a threat to commit murder and possession of unlicensed arms and ammunition.

Joof, who appeared as the first prosecution witness, told a crowded court, presided over by Senior Magistrate EF M’Bai of the Brikama Magistrates Court, on Tuesday, that he was accompanied on the search of the accused’s residence by some police officers and the accused himself.

According to the prosecution, Kassama unlawfully threatened to kill one Lamin Manjang. The accused is also being prosecuted for unlawfully being in possession of firearms, contrary to Section 84 of the Criminal Code and Section 8 of the Arms and Ammunition Act of The Gambia.

Detective Joof told the court that, on 5th December 2007, Alhagie Kebba Kassama lodged a complaint at the charge office of Yundum Police Station, concerning a quarrel he had had with Lamin Manjang, the complainant and his family.

He said they immediately went to fetch Mr Manjang for interrogation but he was not at home at the time. However, he said, they later met both Manjang and his wife, who reported that Kassama had threatened to kill him with a gun.

He told the court that a subsequent search at Kassama’s house lead to the discovery of the said items.

He said the ammunition were taken to Yundum Police Station in the company of  the accused himself.

“We then prepared our statements and the accused was charged with threatening to kill and for being in possession of ammunition,” he concluded.

The case was then adjourned to Wednesday, February 6, for continuation. Police prosecutor, Sub-Inspector Saine represented the IGP.