At least
thirteen street beggars were yesterday arraigned before Magistrate Bojang of
the Kanifing Magistrates’ Court, charged with being rogues and vagabonds.
The accused persons are Isatou Camara, Jainaba Boye, Rohey Jobe, Mamadou Ceesay, Fatou Camara, Adama Barry, Awa Gibba, Mariama Camara, Sohna Janha, Haddy Faye, Oumie Camara, Amadou Jallow and Lamin Kanji.
All admitted to the charge except Lamin Kanyi, who denied the charge.
Meanwhile, they were subsequently cautioned and discharged by the court.
Narrating the facts of the case, the prosecuting officer, Inspector Touray, stated that it happened on 24 July 2013, when the command of the Kanifing Municipality police conducted a raid within the Kanifing Municipal Council.
He said beggars from the streets and business centers were arrested as they were causing obstruction to other users of the road after series of complaint from the public.
He said they were cautioned and charged with the offence committed.
According to the charge sheet read in court, on 24 July 2013, at Kairaba Avenue and diverse places, in the Kanifing Municipality, they were found wondering or loitering in the streets and business premises begging or collecting alms in and within the aforementioned places, an act which was likely to cause a breach of the peace.
Lamin Kanji, who denied the charge, was granted court bail of D500 with a Gambian surety with an ID card.
His case was adjourned till 14 August 2013.
