Witness Cross-examined in Human Trafficking Case

After the prosecution witness, Salifu Nyang, had testified against Lamin Jaiteh and Kanjura Jaiteh, who were charged with trafficking in persons and concealment of trafficking in persons, Lawyer Omar Njie cross-examined the witness.

When it was put to the witness that the accused, Lamin Jaiteh, was threatened and was under pressure when the witness was recording his cautionary statement, the witness denied it.

He also denied that he promised Lamin Jaiteh any favour and did not tell the accused that he was at the police station and the accused should abide by whatever the police told him.

Still testifying in cross-examination, the witness told the court that the counsel for the accused was not present when he recorded the cautionary statement of the accused.

 Asked whether he was familiar with one Camara, who was present in court, he said he could not remember and further stated that no police officer recorded the statements from Lamin Jaiteh other than himself.

He revealed that although the accused is literate, the accused asked him to write his statement for him.

It was put to him that he was not truthful, but he denied it. He maintained that it was the accused, who chose him to write his statement for him. He confirmed that the accused surrendered himself to the police and was arrested. He also confirmed that the accused was not granted police bail but denied that he told the accused that it was not necessary for his lawyer to be present when he was recording his voluntary and cautionary statements.

Magistrate Buba Jawo at this juncture adjourned the case until 28th August 2008 for continuation of cross-examination.