Court Hears Testimony on Voluntariness of Statements in Arona Tine Murder Trial

Arona Tine

Gambiaj.com – (BANJUL, The Gambia) – The High Court is currently evaluating the voluntariness of statements made by Arona Tine, who stands accused of fatally stabbing Fatoumatta Kargbo at HM Bureau de Change in Westfield, resulting in her tragic death. Tine, who denies the charge, has contested the voluntary nature of his cautionary and voluntary statements, which the prosecution seeks to admit as evidence.

To establish that the statements were freely made, the prosecution called Ebrima Janneh, a photographer and Justice of the Peace, who served as an independent witness during the statement-taking process at the Serrekunda Police Station.

Testifying before the court, Janneh affirmed that Tine was not coerced or threatened during the process. “He was not being forced in my presence, and he was not threatened to say anything while his statement was being taken,” Janneh stated.

Janneh recalled being contacted by a CID officer to serve as an independent witness. Upon arriving at the police station, he observed Tine seated freely and speaking in Wolof, confirming he was fine before his statement was documented by CID officer Landing Jarju. “His statements were written without being forced,” Janneh reiterated.

During cross-examination, defense lawyer Samuel Ade probed Janneh’s credibility and impartiality. Ade questioned Janneh’s relationship with the police and whether he had any professional ties that could undermine his independence. Janneh denied being a friend of the police but admitted they knew him due to his work as a Justice of the Peace.

Ade further questioned the procedural integrity of the statement-taking process, noting inconsistencies regarding who was present in the room and whether Tine’s lawyer was there. Janneh could not confirm the lawyer’s presence, stating, “I don’t know who his lawyer is.”

The defense also highlighted a potential injury on Tine’s neck, suggesting possible coercion. However, Janneh maintained that the accused willingly spoke while Landing Jarju documented his statements.

Under further scrutiny, Janneh recounted a key moment when the CID officer presented Tine with the deceased’s shirt. According to Janneh, Tine admitted in his local language to killing someone, lamenting that his life was ruined and referencing a young daughter.

Ade challenged Janneh’s role in signing the cautionary statement, alleging that the independent witness lied about the accused signing the document. Janneh clarified that his signature was placed on the statement as an independent witness, not on behalf of the accused.

The defense concluded its cross-examination by asserting that the statements could not be deemed voluntary due to procedural flaws and lack of independent verification.

The hearing will continue as the court determines whether Tine’s statements can be admitted as evidence in the main trial.

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