Police Witness testifies in obstruction and assault case

By Sainabou Sambou

Ya Kumba Jaiteh and her father, Yuspha Jaiteh  were both appeared before the Kanifing Magistrate Court presiding over by Principal Magistrate Isatou Janneh Njie, last Tuesday, as their case on obstruction and assault continues.

It could be recalled that Ya Kumba Jaiteh is charged with two counts of offence – assault and obstruction of inspector on his duties while her Father Yusupha Jaiteh also charged with a single count offence – obstruction of inspector on his duties.

As the case continued, police witness, Yuspha Jaiteh, a native of Dippakunda said he was an accountant and currently the Imam of Dippakunda. Before moving to  Dippakunda  he said he lived in Kololi for some days before Ramadan 2021 while stated that 6th of October 2020 he was in Kololi. He said that day he was at home and has his dinner with his family. He stated that after the dinner, Ya Kumba Jaiteh, his wife, himself and other were in the main yard of the compound.

He went further in his testimony that it was that time Tijan Makolley told him he is going to his lodge and while at home, “I heard noises coming from the main gate of the compound. Upon listening carefully, I heard Tijan saying you are hurting me and I rushed to see what was happening. While I was in front, Ya Kumba was about three meters behind,” he explained.

He went on that upon his arrival at the gate he found Tijan was pushed against the compound  wall by two or three people and he said he asked them what happened but nobody reply him while they were busy   beating Tijan. He said he didn’t realize what has happened until when he saw Tijan been handcuffed.

The witness continued that he wanted to talk to the officers about how they can resolve the matter, it was at that time, Ya Kumba said “I am Honorable Ya Kumba Jaiteh” let’s talk about this matter.  Meanwhile, he said, the officers were insisting on arresting Tijan and one of the officers took out a spray and sprayed the entire place to the extent that Sainabou Makolley fainted and was taken to the hospital.

Further to that, he said the spray was used two times and that was the time when everyone dispersed from the crowd for awhile saying without his eye glass he could have been blind.

Moreover, he said, he asked the officers what did they found on Tijan but they didn’t answer his question.

At that junction the presiding Principal Magistrate Isatou Janneh Njie adjourned the case till 2nd November 2021 at 11:00 am for continuation, ASP Jahateh, Sergeant Kebbeh and L Gibba represented the IGP.