By Nelson Manneh
Three drivers charged with overloading their vehicles on Wednesday, 8th April denied committing the offence as they took a not guilty plea.
The drivers were: Kalilu Jallow, Babou Jallow and Dawda Sanneh and they were arraigned before Magistrate P.M. Sarr of the Kanifing Magistrate’s Court.
According to the particulars of offence, the drivers jointly carried more than the restricted number of passengers they were supposed to carry.
The charges were based on the recent Regulations by President Adama Barrow after he declared a State of Emergency in The Gambia and ordered for drivers to reduce the number of passengers they carry in their vehicles.
The drivers were granted bail as the prosecution, on whom the burden of proof lies, were asked to lead their case by the court.
Several drivers have been prosecuted by the police for violating the Regulations in which the majority of them have been found guilty and fined by the court, while a few have been acquitted and discharged after the prosecution failed to prove their case.
O.C Mballow, Inspector Sanyang, Inspector Trawally, Sergeants Darboe and Camara represented the Inspector General of Police in the case while the accused persons (the drivers) were without a lawyer.
