Police Superintendent Testifies
Superintendent Ousman Cham, a police officer who works with the Accounts Department of the Gambia Police Force, yesterday testified in the trial of Commissioner Lang Demba, former Public Relations Officer of the Immigration Department before Principal Magistrate Emmanuel Nkea of the Banjul Magistrates' Court.
Commissioner Demba was alleged to have stolen an amount of $15,625, being 10% of the monthly contribution of members of the police contingent on peace-keeping mission in
Testifying before the court, Superintendent Cham identified the accused person as one time commissioner at the Gambia Immigration Department.
He testified that he was in court to give evidence regarding the 10% contribution of The Gambia's police contingent on peace-keeping mission in
According to the witness, the accused person was the contingent commander, and that he has paid part of the said money, and the remaining balance of $15,625 still owed to the Gambia Police Force.
When asked by the prosecutor, Chief Inspector Badjie, how he knew that the accused paid only part of the money, Superintendent Cham said that the Police Accounts Department has a database where all records and relevant information, as well as hard copies are kept.
He added that by going through their records, he knew that the accused owed an outstanding balance of $15,625.
At that juncture, the prosecution applied to tender the hard copy, which was later admitted by the court and marked as exhibit A.
Superintendent Cham added that the accused has made some payment towards the outstanding balance, to the paymaster of the Gambia Police Force, who is responsible for receiving monies on behalf of the police.
However, he did not disclose the amount of money Demba had paid to the paymaster.
The case was adjourned to 10th May 2010 for cross-examination.
