By Kemeseng Sanneh (Kexx)
The absence of prosecution witness yesterday Thursday 12th January 2023, impeded the murder trial of Kumba Sinyan, who is standing trial on one count of murder. It is alleged that Kumba murdered one Momodou Lamarana Jallow (her boyfriend), at the Friendship Hostel in Bakau, but she pleaded not guilty. So far, the prosecution has brought three witnesses who all testified in the case.
When the case was called for continuation yesterday Thursday 12th January 2023, presiding Judge, Justice Sidi K. Jobarteh, asked the prosecuting counsel to call his witness and proceed with the case.
However, the senior State Counsel Lamin Jarju, informed the court that the witness was not present, and appealed for permission to enable him call his witness through telephone, which request was granted.
After being away for five minutes, Jarju returned with the information for the court, that the witness was not picking up his calls. Jarju then sought for an adjournment to facilitate the coming of the witness.
“I am applying for an adjournment because of the failure of the witness to appear in court. My apologies for his absence and I am assuring the court, that we will find out the reason behind the absence of the witness, and if it is not a genuine reason, we will do the needful to secure the presence of the witness for the speedy hearing of the case,” Counsel Jarju said.
The application for adjournment was granted after the defence counsel (Sagar Twum) indicated that she has no objection.
The case was then adjourned to the 26th day of January 2023 and 03rd day of February 2023, for hearing.
