By Kemeseng Sanneh (Kexx)
Justice Ebrima Jaiteh has ordered the National Agency for Legal Aid (NALA) to represent Gorgie Sowe (Yugo Sowe) who is standing trial for attempted murder, which is a capital offence.
A capital offence is an offence that is punishable by death or life imprisonment. NALA is an agency of the State that defends people who are charged with capital offences and cannot afford the services of a lawyer.
Gorgi Sowe (Yugo Sowe) allegedly cut his wife on her hand and legs multiple times using a cutlass, resulting in serious injuries.
The alleged incident happened on 15 November 2023 in Jalambang village, Kombo Central, West Coast Region. The police charge was based on the allegation that the man unlawfully assaulted his wife with intent to cause disfigurement, or disability by committing an offence of grievous bodily harm.
Now, the Attorney General’s Chambers has charged Gorgi Sowe (Yugo Sowe) with five (5) counts: attempted murder, assault causing grievous bodily harm, intentional harm, wounding and domestic violence.
State Counsels Abibatou Jarra and F. Drammeh represented the Attorney General.
On the charge of attempted murder, the prosecution alleged that Gorgi Sowe (Yugo Sowe) tried to cause the death of his wife (name withheld) on 16 November 2023 in Brikama Jalambang by hacking her with a cutlass, resulting in fatal injuries to her legs, arms, and other body parts.
On the grievous bodily harm charge, the prosecution alleged that he had harmed his wife on the same day and place by cutting her with a cutlass on various parts of her body.
On the charge of Intentional harm, the husband allegedly attempted to disfigure and disable his wife through the same actions, leading to fatal injuries.
On the charge related to Wounding, the State alleged that the the accused person unlawfully inflicted wounds on the victim by cutting her with a cutlass on 16 November 2023.
On the final count, which is related to Domestic Violence, the accused person is accused of domestically violating his wife by hacking her with a cutlass, causing grievous harm.
Justice Jaiteh in his order indicated the accused is charged with a capital offence (attempt to murder) and is not a bailable offence. Justice Jaiteh further said the accused has indicated to the Court that he cannot afford the services of a lawyer.
“Accordingly and under Section 24 (3) of the 1997 Constitution of The Gambia, the Principal Registrar of the High Court is hereby ordered to transmit the bill of indictment and the amended information to the National Agency for Legal Aid for legal representation for the accused person,” Justice Jaiteh ordered.
The case was adjourned to the 23rd of April 2024 at 10:30 am for plea taking.
