By Cecilia E. L. Mendy
A witness on Monday testified against his former student in an ongoing criminal trial before Justice Ebrima Jaiteh at the Banjul High Court.
Counsel S.L. Jobarteh represented the State, while Counsel E. Colley appeared for the accused person.
The prosecution witness, Nyanika Manjang, an educationist at the Ministry of Basic and Secondary Education (MoBSE), told the court that the landlady identified the accused through the clothes he was wearing, stating that it was the same outfit allegedly worn during the break-in at the compound.
Manjang testified that upon inspecting the scene, he observed bloodstains, broken bottles, and visible footprints. He described the compound as a two-storey building but said he could not recall the exact point of entry allegedly used by the accused.
He further told the court that the accused attempted to flee with two items—a tablet and wigs—though no stolen items were recovered at the time of arrest. He said the only item found in his possession was a bottle of gin.
According to the witness, when the accused was brought back to the compound, the landlady confirmed that he was the person who broke into the premises. He also stated that bloodstains were visible on the accused’s hands and feet at the time of arrest.
Manjang said he has lived in Bijilo since 2016 and knew the accused as a former student he once taught. He added that the landlady also knew the accused as a friend of her son.
He explained that he is a member of a neighbourhood vigilance group assisting police in apprehending suspects following repeated theft incidents in the area after the relocation of the Anti-Crime Unit. He added that all suspects are handed over to the police to ensure due process.
The witness confirmed that he gave a statement to the police, which was tendered in evidence as Exhibit P7 after he identified his signature and telephone number.
During cross-examination, Manjang told the court that the accused was arrested between 3 a.m. and 4 a.m. and appeared to be under the influence of alcohol.
Counsel Colley suggested to the witness that the accused was beaten, resulting in the injuries and bleeding observed. The witness, however, maintained that he did not see any stolen items on the accused but confirmed that alcohol was found in his possession.
Manjang also stated that the accused was wearing a white long-sleeved shirt at the time of arrest. He acknowledged that police later took over the matter and said he could not confirm whether forensic tests were carried out to match the bloodstains to the accused.
The case was adjourned to 1 June 2026 for continuation of hearing.
