Gambiaj.com – (BANJUL) – In a significant development in the trial of Ousainou Bojang and his sister Amie Bojang, forensic officer Francis Jatta testified that the alleged murder weapon was left in the open for 10 days, exposed to rain and heat, which rendered it unsuitable for DNA analysis.

Ousainou Bojang, a resident of Brufut, faces charges of murder, attempted murder, committing a terrorist act, and assault causing grievous bodily harm. His sister, Amie Bojang, is charged with being an accessory after the fact to murder. The prosecution alleges that on September 12, 2023, Ousainou Bojang shot three police officers at the Sukuta traffic lights, resulting in the deaths of two and leaving the third with life-threatening injuries. Bojang has denied the allegations.

During the detailed cross-examination, Counsel Lamin J. Darboe and Counsel Sillah for the second accused questioned Forensic Officer Francis Jatta about the handling and condition of the pistol. Jatta revealed that the gun was found in pieces at the crime scene on September 22, 2023, and was subsequently sent to the army for ballistic examination and assembly.

Counsel Darboe questioned Jatta on various aspects of the investigation, including the recovery and examination of the weapon, ammunition, and the crime scene. Jatta confirmed that two empty bullet casings and a live round were recovered, but the live round was not suitable for further analysis due to its exposure to the elements.

During cross-examination by Counsel Sillah, Jatta admitted that the fingerprints found on the gun were not clear enough for analysis, further hampered by the weapon’s exposure to rain and heat for an extended period. This exposure significantly compromised the forensic evidence.

When asked about the possibility of the weapon being used by a trained individual, Jatta stated that he was not qualified to ascertain such a claim, deferring to military experts for such determinations.

The presiding judge, Justice Jaiteh, adjourned the case to May 27, 2024, for the evidence-in-chief of the ninth prosecution witness (PW9), following the absence of re-examination by the Director of Public Prosecution, A.M. Yusuf. The court also accepted and marked the crime scene management unit reports as Exhibit D8, pages 1-19.

As the trial progresses, the condition and handling of the alleged murder weapon remain pivotal points of contention, potentially impacting the outcome of the case.