By: Dawda M. Jallow
A police officer attached to the Criminal Investigation Department (CID) at Kololi Police Station on Monday testified in an on-going housebreaking trial involving the theft of items valued over D109,000.
Testifying before Magistrate Awa Manneh at the Kanifing Magistrates’ Court, Officer Kodou Camara said she was instructed by her superior on March 26th to respond to a reported break-in at a residence in Kololi.
Camara said she visited the complainant’s residence with Criminal Records Officers. On arrival, a neighbour led the officers to the house, entering through the back door to gain access via the kitchen.
“We found the kitchen in a mess,” she said. “Some utensils were destroyed and wires in the house had been pulled out. We took photographs for our records.”
Camara said the complainant, identified as Abigail Mookien, showed them a red bag that previously contained multiple currencies but was reportedly missing. Additional photographs were taken before officers continued their inspection of the premises.
Inside another room, they discovered a cupboard filled with shoes and personal items. On their way out, Camara said they found an iron rod on the veranda, which they believed was used to break the padlock. The rod was seized and taken to the station. Days later, a neighbour named Mr Touray claimed the rod belonged to him.
The accused, Sheikh Tijan Darboe, is facing three counts under The Gambia’s Criminal Code: housebreaking, malicious damage to property, and theft.
Prosecutors allege that Darboe unlawfully entered Mookien’s residence and stole household items including an LG air conditioner, kitchen appliances, extension cables, a handbag, three pairs of shoes, and cash amounting to D109,110 in total.
He is also accused of damaging a door valued at D80,000 and other electrical components of unknown value.
The case has been adjourned and is expected to continue on Tuesday, 27 May 2025.
