By Cecilia E.L. Mendy
An 18-year-old eyewitness gave testimony on Tuesday in the murder trial of Mariama Jallow, who is accused of fatally stabbing her friend, Cherno Touray, in Brufut.
Saikou Tabali, a resident, told the Banjul High Court presided over by Justice Ebrima Jaiteh that he knew both the accused and the deceased. “Yes, I know her; she killed my friend,” he said, identifying Jallow as the alleged perpetrator.
Tabali said the incident occurred between 8:00 pm and 9:00 pm. He and Touray were sitting together when Jallow walked past. He explained that they made a hissing sound as she passed, and later, she returned and allegedly insulted them, directing remarks at the boys’ mother. A confrontation followed, during which Touray was stabbed.
He described placing his hand on his friend’s chest while Jallow ran to her house. Local women covered the victim, and Tabali pursued the accused, eventually informing a compound owner before paramilitary officers arrived. Jallow was arrested at her home and taken to Ghana Town Police Station. Tabali said the weapon used was a small green kitchen knife.
During cross-examination, defense counsel F.C. Anyanwu questioned the accuracy of Tabali’s earlier statement to the police. Tabali confirmed that the statement, which contained his mother’s phone number, was consistent with his court testimony and denied any fabrication or exaggeration.
The defense suggested that the boys may have provoked the accused or that Touray was stabbed with his own knife. Tabali rejected both claims, insisting that they had not carried any weapon and had only hissed at Jallow.
The trial has been adjourned to Monday, February 9, 2026, for further proceedings.
