Alhaji Momodou Cadi Cham, an elderly politician and minister during the first republic, was reportedly found in possession of a handgun without a license on Monday, the Standar Newspaper reports. The veteran politician, estimated to be in his seventies, was searched during a police mobile traffic unit operation near the Denton Bridge.

The newspaper sources state that Mr. Cham came in his vehicle, which the police then searched. A gun that was purportedly not licensed was discovered inside the car during the check. Mr. Cham was duly processed and billed. The Standard was informed yesterday by police spokesman ASP Binta Njie of the former minister’s detention, charge, and subsequent release on bond.

Out of the two people who survived the 1950s and early 1960s independence negotiations in England, MC Cham is the only one. He has participated in multiple elections in his home Tumana Constituency in the Upper River Division.

In addition, he held ministerial positions in a number of President Jawara’s governments.

Despite his retirement from active politics, Mr. Cham continues to be a major contributor to one of The Gambia’s largest political parties. The case is still pending, and as the investigation develops, more information is anticipated.