By: Nicholas Bass
The fourth defense witness (DW4), Lamin Bojang, on Monday told the court that Ousainou Bojang, accused of killing two police officers and injuring a third on 13 September 2023, informed his family of his departure to Ziguinchor, Senegal, after reconciling with them.
Testifying before Hon. Justice Ebrima Jaiteh, Lamin Bojang stated that on 12 September 2023, at 11:00 p.m., the accused visited his house, apologized, and they reconciled.
According to DW4, on 13 September 2023, the accused went to his stepfather and begged for forgiveness. He then informed his family of his journey to Senegal, explaining that he was seeking “blessings.”
DW4 disclosed that Ousainou phoned Amie Bojang (2nd accused) to inquire if she knew of a marabout in Senegal who could pray for him, which prompted Amie to travel from Senegal to The Gambia.
When defence lawyer Lamin J. Darboe asked DW4 about the police officers’ visit to the accused’s house, the Director of Public Prosecution (DPP) A.M. Yusuf objected, arguing that the defence was attempting to direct the witness to the charges against the accused.
However, Justice Jaiteh overruled DPP Yusuf’s objection, allowing the defence to continue with its line of questioning, stating that such a question was permissible.
Continuing his testimony, Lamin said that when the police officers arrived at the accused’s house, they accused him of having Ousainou’s smart cell phone. He maintained that the accused had not left his phone with him and explained that the phone had been left charging on an electrical socket.
DW4 further affirmed that he gave cautionary and voluntary statements to police investigators at the Anti-Crime Headquarters in Banjulinding.
He confirmed that he was held in police custody for three days before being released on self-police bail, requiring daily reporting to the Anti-Crime HQ. The case was adjourned for continuation.
