Three charged for stealing President's gift

Yaya Jallow, Ebrima Beyai and Sarjo Ceesay were yesterday arraigned at the Brikama Magistrates' Court charged with stealing. All denied the charge.

According to the particulars of offence, between 6th and 10th September 2009, at Sibanor Village, Foni Bintang Karanai, Western Region, the accused persons jointly stole 47 bags of sugar valued at D18, 000 being a gift from the President meant for the people of Foni Bintang Karanai.

Following the accused persons' denial of the charge, the police prosecutor called his first witness, one Tombong Sanyang to testify.

Testifying before the court presided over by Magistrate Effim, Mrs Sanyang told the court that on the day in question, she was called by one Lamin Ceesay to report to the Sibanor Police Station.

According to her, upon arrival at the station she was asked whether she had received her share of the sugar, and she replied in the negative.  She added that she told the police that she did not know to whom her share of the sugar was given. She said she later made a statement to that effect. The statement was tendered in court as an exhibit.

The case was adjourned to 19th January 2010 when hearing continues.