Gambiaj.com – (BANJUL, The Gambia) — In a riveting and emotional session at the Banjul High Court, Kumba Sinyan continued her testimony in defense against charges of murdering her boyfriend, Lamarana Jallow. Accused of fatally cutting Jallow’s stomach with a razor blade, Sinyan provided a detailed account of the events leading up to his death, painting a complex picture of their relationship and the tragic incident.
Led by her lawyer, Senior Counsel Sagar Twum, Sinyan recounted the days preceding Jallow’s planned travel to Asia.
On September 13, 2022, she received a call from Jallow, arranging to meet at the Friendship Hostel near the stadium that evening. Their conversation that day, she said, was affectionate and devoid of conflict, with Jallow expressing a desire for Sinyan to perform a personal grooming ritual she often did for him.
Dressed in her usual attire of brown tights, a black shirt, and a scarf, Sinyan brought her essentials, including a power bank and money, to the meeting. Jallow had booked their usual room, number 111. Upon arriving, she found him already present and they spent time talking about his upcoming travels and her business.
As Sinyan prepared to groom Jallow, she detailed how he undressed and lay on the bed. The situation turned dire when, according to her testimony, Jallow became aggressive, attempting to force himself on her despite her protests. She described feeling panicked and in pain as he pressed down on her, echoing past traumas.
In a desperate bid to defend herself, Sinyan reached for a razor blade that Jallow had brought for shaving. She testified that in the darkness, she cut him without knowing exactly where, leading to a struggle that ended with Jallow seriously injured. Sinyan claimed that during the altercation, Jallow banged her head against the wall and they both fell, continuing to fight until she used a broken tile to stab him.
The courtroom listened intently as Sinyan recounted the aftermath of the altercation. She described a scene of panic and confusion, where she tried to tend to Jallow’s wounds and called a friend, Pap Jeng, for help. Sinyan explained that her shock and inexperience with such situations prevented her from seeking immediate medical assistance.
Evidence presented included an autopsy report showing recreational drugs in Jallow’s system and video footage from Sinyan’s phone, depicting Jallow asking for her forgiveness after a previous incident of physical and sexual assault. Sinyan maintained that she had not intended to kill Jallow and expressed her love for him despite the turbulent nature of their relationship.
The court has adjourned the case to July 17th, where Sinyan’s testimony will continue. The proceedings have captivated the public, shedding light on the tragic dynamics of a relationship that ended in unforeseen violence.
