Accused person’s uncle testifies in rape trial

One Saikou Janneh, a marabout resident in Farato village in the Kombo North District of the West Coast Region, recently testified in the criminal trial involving the state against one Musa Janneh, before Justice O. Ottaba of the High Court in Banjul.

The accused is standing trial on one count of rape, and the prosecution alleged that the accused on 28 February 2014 at Farato village he had unlawful carnal knowledge of a seven-year-old girl without her consent.

In his evidence, the witness recalled that at about 11:00pm on 28 February 2014, whilst he was about going to bed, the victim’s father (Momodou Saidy) knocked his door and asked him to come and see what the accused had done to his daughter.

The witness added that upon his arrival at the victim’s father’s bedroom, he found the victim lying on the bed and her father asked him if he had seen sperm on the victim’s body.

The witness told the court that he replied to the father that he didn’t see anything on her body.

The witness added that he immediately went out, and asked the children to call the accused person, who said they have not seen him since they had dinner.

Janneh further stated that the victim was taken to Farato Health Centre, and they were later referred to Brikama Major Health Centre.

The matter was reported at the Brikama Police Station, where statements were obtained from them and subsequently referred to Police headquarters in Banjul.

In Banjul, the witness added, they went to the police Child Welfare Unit, where their statements were obtained and they were referred to Edward Francis Small Teaching Hospital, where a medical examination was conducted.

Hearing continues.