By Dawda M. Jallow
The Kanifing Magistrates’ Court Monday fined two men to pay one hundred thousand dalasis (100,000.00) each after their conviction of attempted theft of cattle.
Principal Magistrate Sallah M’Bai of Kanifing Magistrates’ Court ordered Kabir Babu and Bubacarr Mangan to pay the fine, having been convicted of attempting to steal cattle in Bakau Newtown, Kanifing Municipality.
The convicts were jointly charged with Conspiracy to Commit a Felony under Section 341(a) and Attempt to Commit a Felony under Section 338 of the Criminal Offences Act, 2025. The offenses allegedly occurred on 12 November 2025.
Both men pleaded guilty to the charges, admitting the facts presented by the prosecution. The court convicted them on both counts.
In making the sentence, Principal Magistrate M’Bai noted that the case fell under Category 3 of the Sentencing Guidelines, covering offenses of lesser culpability and harm. She highlighted that no violence occurred, no property was taken, and no one was injured.
“The absence of completed offense or injury, and the fact that both convicts are first-time offenders who expressed remorse, outweigh aggravating factors,” the magistrate said.
The early guilty pleas earned the convicts a 33 percent reduction in their sentence. Each man was fined D100,000 on each count, with a two-month prison term in default of payment. The sentences will run concurrently.
Exhibits A and B related to the case were forfeited to the State.
The court also approved the impounding of a vehicle allegedly used in the crime. Ownership was disputed, with one convict claiming it belonged to his brother, but no proof was provided. The vehicle has been handed to police pending verification.
Magistrate M’Bai said the sentence aimed to balance deterrence, rehabilitation, and reintegration. “The court hopes this decision serves as a lesson while allowing the convicts to reintegrate and contribute positively to the community,” she added.
