Man arraigned for common assault

The Principal Magistrate JA Effim of the Brikama Magistrates' Court recently heard a criminal case of common assault brought against one, Memba Sanneh.

Testifying before the court, the first prosecution witness, one Aja Suso, a native of Mariama Kunda village said she knew the accused person and she could recall 27th March 2010.

According to her, on the day in question it was a national clean-up day, when she went to the market to sell, where she found one Fatou Jarju sweeping and asked her to borrow her the broom when she's done with it.

Mrs. Suso narrated that the accused came and met them and then went to his office, where Fatou Jarju followed him and told him that today is a clean-up exercise, and that it is the responsibilities of the Village Development Committee (VDC) to do the exercise.

She testified that the accused told Fatou Jarju that since the establishment of the market none of their husband has opened their "asses" to clean the market so he will not waste his time to do it for them as he had other things to do.

According to her, it was then that she told the accused that this is the third times "you are using this kind of abusive words to their husbands and in their present."

She said that the accused then insulted her by telling her that she is rude.

She narrated that when she told the accused not to insult her anymore the accused simultaneously slapped her and gave her blows all over her body.

She said the matter was then reported to Old Yundum Police Station and subsequently the accused was arrested. 

Also testifying, the second prosecution witness, (PW2) Marie Gomez, a resident of Mariama Kunda village informed the court that she recognised both the accused and the complainant.

She told the court that on the day in question, it was a clean-up day and as she was going to the market, she saw the accused person slapping and blowing the complainant, but did not know the reason.

According to her, at the time of the alleged assault the complainant was carrying a baby on her back, and one lady by the name Ndey Kujabi took the child from the complainant and handed it over to her.

PW3 Ndey Kujabi also gave similar testimony.

The case was adjourned to 11th May 2010 for continuation.