Gambiaj.com – (Banjul, The Gambia) – Justice Ebrima Jaiteh of the Banjul High Court has sentenced Augustine Bangura to death by hanging for the brutal murder of British national Shakina Chinedu, bringing an end to a high-profile trial that began in March this year.

In a verdict delivered at the High Court, Justice Jaiteh found Bangura guilty of the gruesome killing of Chinedu, whom he struck on the back of the neck with a hammer on February 14, 2024, in Sinchang Village, West Coast Region.

The court also found that Bangura stole several personal items belonging to the deceased following the murder, including a wristwatch, tablet, laptop, mobile phones, camera, and flash drives.

The prosecution, led by Counsel M. Singhateh, F. Drammeh, and M. Sarr, filed a bill of indictment against Bangura on March 22, 2024, charging him with murder contrary to Section 187 and theft contrary to Section 252 of the Criminal Code. Bangura, represented by Counsel F. T. Saho, pleaded not guilty to both charges.

During the trial, the prosecution called twelve witnesses to testify. These included investigating police officers, a businessman who engaged in transactions with the accused involving the stolen items, and a phone technician who admitted to purchasing some of those items from Bangura.

The State also submitted 21 exhibits, including photographs, a video of the crime scene, the alleged murder weapon (a hammer), a spade, personal items belonging to the deceased found in Bangura’s possession, and mobile call logs that linked him to the victim.

The defense, led by Counsel Saho, rigorously cross-examined all the prosecution witnesses and sought to discredit the evidence presented. In his defense, Bangura maintained his innocence, denying any involvement in the killing or theft.

However, Justice Jaiteh concluded that the prosecution had proven its case beyond a reasonable doubt. He found Bangura guilty on both counts and accordingly handed him the death penalty for murder and a fifteen-year prison sentence for theft.

The judgment has drawn public attention, both locally and internationally, due to the nationality of the victim and the disturbing nature of the crime.

Justice Jaiteh emphasized that the sentence was meant to reflect the gravity of the offence and serve as a deterrent to such heinous acts in the future.