Rape Case Transferred to Special Criminal Division

The alleged criminal trial involving one Karim Camara who is alleged to have raped a seven-year-old girl, has been transferred to the special criminal division of the high court in Banjul.

The trial magistrate, Basiru Mahoney, sitting at Kanifing Magistrates' Court made this announcement recently. Magistrate Mahoney told the court that the accused person is charged with rape and if found guilty the punishment is imprisonment for life adding that, this brings in two issues.

Magistrate Mahoney stated that by the virtue of section 24-sub section (3) paragraph (d) of the constitution of the republic of The Gambia 1994, the accused has the right to legal aid at the expense of the state.

Magistrate Mahoney however said all capital offences shall be exclusively presided over by special criminal division. He therefore transferred the said case to the special division of the high court.

According to the charge sheet, the accused on or about the 25th May 2009, at Latrikunda in the Kanifing Municipality, unlawfully had carnal knowledge of a seven year old girl without her consent.