By: Cecilia E.L. Mendy
The High Court in Banjul, presided over by Justice Ebrima Jaiteh, on Tuesday continued hearing evidence in the ongoing murder trial involving Fatou Sawaneh, commonly known as “Ya Fatou,” as the first prosecution witness testified before Justice Ebrima Jaiteh.
Counsel F. Drammeh is representing the state while J. Jeng is appearing for the defence.
Testifying as the first prosecution witness, Omar Bojang told the court that following the incident, the accused, Fatou Sawaneh was taken to the regional police station, where forensic officers later arrived and removed the body of the deceased, identified as her mother, to the mortuary.
He said he later went with family members to Tujereng Police Station, where they found the accused in custody. According to him, he raised concerns about her condition, but was informed by officers that they could not manage her situation and that their capacity was limited.
Bojang further testified that the accused was later moved to Sanyang Police Station, where officers later contacted him to say they had never handled a similar case. He said the matter was subsequently taken to the Magistrates’ Court, which ordered that she be remanded at Mile 2 Prison.
However, he told the court that prison authorities declined to admit her due to her condition. He said officers observed that she was disoriented, talking to herself and unable to follow instructions, noting that no formal medical assessment had yet been carried out at that stage.
The witness added that she was later taken to Tanka Tanka Psychiatric Hospital, where doctors examined her in the presence of medical students. He said the accused was able to answer basic questions about her identity and family, but was later assessed as mentally unwell and in need of treatment.
He further testified that she was given medication to stabilise her condition before being returned, as she could not be admitted due to the existing court order.
During cross-examination, defence counsel J. Jeng put it to the witness that the accused had a long-standing history of mental illness. Bojang agreed, stating that her condition dated back to childhood and that he had observed several episodes over the years, including erratic behaviour and previous treatment at medical facilities.
He also confirmed providing a police statement dated October 29, 2024, which was tendered in evidence as Exhibit D1 without objection.
Fatou Sawaneh is charged with murder under Section 187 of the Criminal Code, allegedly causing the death of her mother, Binta Bojang, on or about October 27, 2024, at Tujereng Village in Kombo South District.
The case resumes on June 4, 2026 for continuation.