By Kemeseng Sanneh (Kexx)
Francis Jatta, a forensic expert working in the Criminal Records Office of the Gambia Police Force (GPF), is the latest witness to testify in the police shooting case involving Ousainou Bojang and his sister, Amie Bojang.
The forensic officer detailed that his department is responsible for maintaining records of convicted criminals, conducting crime scene investigations and analyzing evidence such as fingerprints.
The prosecution alleged that on 12 September 2023 while at the Sukuta traffic lights, Ousainou Bojang, shot three police personnel with a gun, resulting in the death of two leaving the other with life-threatening injuries. Ousainou denied the allegations in court.
Ousainou Bojang, a resident of Brufut, is facing charges of murder, attempted murder, committing a terrorist act, and assault causing grievous bodily harm. His sister, Amie Bojang, is charged with accessory after the fact to murder.
Officer Jatta said he recognised Ousainou Bojang after having met him once. He added that he does not know Amie Bojang.
The witness said on the 13th of September 2023 upon arrival at work, he was instructed to set up a team to visit a crime scene at the Sukuta-Jabang traffics light. The team was constituted and he was part of it. He testified that it was headed by Ebrima Kanyi and the other members Tunan Bass Manga and Edrisa Jarju. The witness said the team worked together with officers from the Anti-Crime Unit and those from the Brikama Police Stations (Salia Gaye and Yaya Bojang). He added that Police Commissioners Pateh Bah, Fakebba Darboe, Thomas Aki Gomez and Pateh Jallow were also found at the scene.
Upon reaching the scene, Jatta explained that they conducted interviews to gather information about the incident. Two empty bullet cases were discovered by the Anti-Crime police at the location and the area was secured by setting up a perimeter to prevent unauthorized access. The witness said they conducted searches in the area and took photographs. He added that they were informed about a nearby vehicle that was parked where they found another empty bullet casing.
They followed the route taken by the accused person and continued the search to a junction to the petrol station’s first junction on the right and at the edge of the junction they discovered a live round near a junction in Sukuta. Their search continued along a footpath at the first junction, hoping to find the murder weapon, but to no avail.
The witness testified that the team returned to Banjul after the search. He said the ballistic evidence gathered was forwarded to the Gambia National Army for ballistic examination because the police lack ballistic examination equipment. The army was to do an analysis.
At this point, the case was adjourned till today for continuation of the hearing.
