Gambiaj.com – (BANJUL, The Gambia) – In a gripping testimony before Justice Ebrima Jaiteh of the High Court, Superintendent Lamin B. Sarr recounted the events surrounding the alleged murder of Fatoumatta Kargbo at a bureau de change in Westfield, Kanifing Municipality. Sarr, who has four years of experience with the Police Intervention Unit (PIU), served as the fifth prosecution witness in the trial of Arona Tine, the accused.

Superintendent Sarr testified that he recognized the accused and described the critical moments following the report of the incident. He recalled receiving a call from immigration officer Musukuta Jarju, who reported a stabbing at Westfield. As the commanding officer, Sarr immediately dispatched a team to the scene, arriving between 1:15 pm and 2 pm to find a large crowd gathered at the HM Bureau de Change, which was locked with the accused inside.

Upon entering the bureau, Sarr discovered Arona Tine in the toilet, bleeding profusely from a throat wound. Sarr and his team administered first aid, using Tine’s own shirt to staunch the bleeding, demonstrating their duty to preserve life irrespective of the circumstances.

After providing initial medical care, Tine was transported to the Serekunda General Hospital. Meanwhile, officers remained at the bureau to secure the crime scene. Sarr emphasized that law enforcement officers are obligated to ensure the well-being of individuals, regardless of the allegations against them.

During cross-examination by defense counsel O. Suso from the National Agency for Legal Aid (NALA), Sarr reiterated that he was informed about the stabbing by Musukuta Jarju. When pressed by Counsel Suso on whether he could confirm it was a stabbing based solely on Jarju’s report, Sarr conceded that he could not.

The trial continues today as the court delves deeper into the circumstances surrounding the tragic incident.