#Headlines

Man faces rape charge

Apr 29, 2026, 11:00 AM | Article By: Dawda Faye

Jan De Jager, a foreigner, was yesterday arraigned before Magistrate Manneh of the Kanifing Magistrates’ Court and charged with rape, contrary to Section 3 (2) (f) (ii) of the Sexual Offences Act, 2013.

It was revealed by prosecutors that Jan De Jager, the accused, sometime in the month of March, 2025, at Kololi, in the Kanifing Municipality of the Republic of The Gambia, within the jurisdiction of the Honourable court, unlawfully had carnal knowledge of a girl under the age of eighteen years.

He denied any wrongdoing when the charge sheet was read to him.

The prosecutor, Sergeant 3217 E. Camara, told the court that he understood that the charge before the court is a bailable offence, which is equally granted under Section 24 of the 1997 Constitution.

“By virtue of the 1997 Constitution, the accused enjoys fundamental right and presumption of innocence until proven guilty, and also under Section 123 General Entitlement of bail. However, we are vehemently objecting to bail of the accused person. Your Worship, if he is granted bail, he will interfere with the prosecution’s witnesses,” he submitted.

He further told the court that the investigation is still ongoing, and most importantly, the accused, when granted bail, will jump bail.

Defence Counsel Dayo, in his reply, argued that the offence the accused is charged with is bailable. “Your Worship, I believe the investigation is completed and this is why the prosecution charged the accused and brought him to court,” he submitted.

However, the magistrate denied bail to the accused, and stated that the bail application will be considered on the adjourned date.

The case was adjourned to 6 May 2026 for hearing.