Sierra Leonean national Augustine Bangura appeared before Principal Magistrate Anna O. Mendy at the Brikama Magistrates’ Court for allegedly killing Shakina Chinedu, a British national. The incident reportedly occurred on February 14, 2024, at Madina Alagie Gaye village in the West Coast Region of The Gambia.
During the hearing, Augustine denied wrongdoing. However, ASP Buteh Sawaneh, prosecuting, relied on Section 5(1) of the Criminal Procedure Code and referenced Section 143(1) of the 1997 Constitution to apply for the transfer of the case to the Special Criminal Division of the high court.
The lower court, citing its lack of jurisdiction to entertain cases that attract capital punishment, subsequently ordered Augustine’s remand at the State Central Prison in Banjul.
Despite objections from the accused, who had no legal representation, Principal Magistrate Mendy granted the prosecution’s application, transferring the matter to the Special Criminal Division of the high court. An order was issued for the remand in custody of the accused at Mile II, pending a hearing at the high court.
