When the case was called on Monday, a Forensic expert, Francis Jatta, who serves as the sixth prosecution witness in the case, identified himself as working in the Criminal Records Office of the Gambia Police Force.
The witness explained that his department was responsible for maintaining records of convicted criminals, conducting crime scene investigations and analysing evidence such as fingerprints.
When the exhibits were shown to the witness, he confirmed the items, and then DPP A.M. Yusuf applied to tender those exhibits. However, no objection was raised from the defence. The presiding judge, Justice Jaiteh then admitted them as evidence.
The prosecution alleged that on 12 September 2023 while at the Sukuta Traffic Lights, Ousainou Bojang, shot three police personnel with a gun, resulting in the death of two; leaving the other with “life-threatening injuries”. Ousainou has denied any wrongdoing.
Ousainou Bojang, a resident of Brufut, is facing charges of murder, attempted murder, committing a terrorist act, and assault causing grievous bodily harm. His sister, Amie Bojang, is charged with accessory after the fact to murder.
The witness Francis Jatta explained in court that on 13 September 2023 they arrived at Sukuta-Jabang Traffic Lights where the shooting happened and conducted an interview, adding that two empty bullet cases were discovered by the Anti-Crime Police at the location and the area was secured by setting up a perimeter to prevent unauthorised access.
The witness said they conducted searches within the area and took photographs. He added that they were informed about a nearby parked vehicle, and there they found another empty bullet case.
He said in his testimony that they followed the route taken by the accused person and continued the search to a junction to the petrol station. He added that on the right, at the edge of the junction; they discovered a live round case near a junction in Sukuta.
The witness said that the ballistic evidence gathered was forwarded to the Gambia National Army for ballistic examination because the police lack ballistic examination equipment.
The witness narrated that on 13 September 2023, an investigation team along with the accused, Ousainou Bojang, went to his residence where some items were recovered.
He continued that among those items recovered were a “grey kaftan”, “white canvas shoes”, “black jean trouser”, and a “black jacket”. He added that those items were subsequently taken to the Criminal Investigation in Banjul and each item was packed in brown evidence bags and labelled.
The witness said on 14 September 2023, the investigation team went back again to the residence of the accused and recovered two “combat boots” or “desert boots.” He told the court that on 22 September 2023, they received information that a murder weapon was found, adding that a forensic team was requested to go and recover the weapon and bring it to the Crime Report Office.
The witness further explained that a preliminary examination was conducted and the pistol was sent to the Gambia Armed Forces for ballistic examination and the pistol was brought back along with a report. He said the report was handed over to the prosecution team and the pistol was kept at the Criminal Records Office.
The case was adjourned until 20 May 2024 for the defence to cross examine the witness.
