Gambiaj.com – (Banjul, the Gambia)- His Worship Ismaila Dibba Esq, of the Bundung Magistrates Court has on Tuesday sentenced 19 19-year-old Malick Badjie to 3 years in prison with hard labour.
On the 14th of August 2025, Malick Badjie was found guilty of the offence of reckless and negligent act contrary to Section 190 of the Criminal Offence Act 2025.
The case was then adjourned to the 19th of August 2025 for sentencing in which 3 years jail term and a One Million Dalasis (D1, 000.000.00) fine were handed to him.
“This case brings into focus the paramount importance of road safety, especially in relation to our children and vulnerable members of the society,” Magistrate Dibba said.
Magistrate Dibba stressed that the Conduct Malick Badjie has caused serious bodily harm to Abdourahman Bah, a thirteen (13) year old pupil, on the school ground at Abuko on the 18th day of July 2025.
“On that day the convict (Malick Badjie) was behind the wheel of a Mercedes Benz with registration number BJL 7450 Y when, by the convict’s choice and actions, caused an incident that has left a child in our community gravely injured and has inflicted enduring pain on the child’s family, teachers and classmates,” Magistrate Dibba told the court.
It is Magistrate Dibba’s conviction that such behaviours constitute a clear breach of the responsibilities that every driver must uphold under the laws of the Gambia.
Magistrate Dibba described the facts of the offence as straightforward and horrific in their consequences. He said Malick drove into an area intended for the safety of school children, at a speed and with a degree of carelessness that a reasonable driver would not have exhibited.
Magistrate Dibba asserted that Malick Badjie’s vehicle struck Abdourahman Bah, causing a severe injury which has caused tremendous pain, suffering, and ongoing medical needs.
“The impact of this injury extends beyond the immediate physical harm to the victim, affecting the emotional well-being and future prospects, as well as causing distress to his family and the wider community,” he said.
In sentencing, Magistrate Dibba said he must reflect on the principles of justice, including the need for punishment, deterrence, and protection of the public, especially the children.
“Dangerous driving that results in serious injury is a grave offence and warrants a stern response to underscore that such conduct will not be tolerated in our society,” he stressed.
Magistrate Dibba reiterated the importance of individuals exercising caution, responsibility, and respect for the lives of others, be it on or off the roads.
Magistrate Dibba said from the look of things, the convict (Malick Badjie) is carefree, while describing him as an indiscipline convict whose behavior needs to be curbed.
”If God had not saved the victim, he could have killed the victim. If someone is so carefree that he goes to a school ground to drift a vehicle in the midst of young pupils and in the process causes a lasting impact on one of the pupils, the law should not be laze to accommodate him for any reason,” Magistrate Dibba said.
Magistrate Dibba continued that “We are seeing an unacceptable rise in incidents involving dangerous driving practices, and we want to be clear, these behaviours will not be tolerated.”
Magistrate Dibba believes that the communities need complete deliverance and sanctuary from the likes of Malick Badjie. He said their presence in the society can only cause havoc and fear.
“I can imagine the trauma the victim must have gone through with his family on the day of the incident. Having had one of his legs squeezed on the wall by a motor vehicle to a point that the victim can no longer stand much more to walk within the school premises where children have the right to feel safe and protected is one of the severest pain a man can cause to his fellow man to endure,” he said.
Magistrate Dibba believes that Abdourahman Bah’s life will never be the same. “I have seen how he was brought into the court on the 14th August, 2025. He is completely incapacitated and he is required to be lifted anytime he has to move,” he said.
Having regard to the seriousness of the offence, Magistrate Dibba considers a custodial sentence appropriate to serve as both punishment and a deterrent for those who are on a similar journey like Malick Badjie.
“Accordingly, the convict, Malick Badjie is sentenced to an imprisonment term of 3 years with hard labour,” Magistrate Dibba sentenced Malick.
It is the hope of Magistrate Dibba that his judgment will serve as a stern warning to all the drifters/outlaws/Delcos, those intending to emulate Malick’s actions and other drivers about the consequences of reckless conduct. He said the law will not be laze with such irresponsible and indisciplined behaviours.
“I must emphasize that the Gambia is a country governed by laws and those laws must be respected by all and sundry at all times irrespective of one’s age, gender and status,” Magistrate Dibba emphasised.
Magistrate Dibba believes that this case reaffirms the commitment of the Gambian legal system to ensuring safety on/off our roads and protecting the most vulnerable among society.
He prayed that such incidents serve as a lesson that reckless driving endangers lives and undermines societal peace and order.
“I enjoin all drivers in the Gambia to exercise utmost caution, heed traffic laws, and prioritise safety at all times Compensation in the sum of D1,000,000.00 (One Million Dalasis) is awarded to the victim for the immense suffering he has experienced and continues to go through and the emotional trauma,” Magistrate Dibba delivered the sentencing.
