By: Cecilia E.L. Mendy
The High Court in Banjul on Tuesday heard the defence of Arona Tine, who denied killing Fatoumatta Kargbo in an incident at a bureau de change in Westfield, Kanifing Municipality.
The case, presided over by Justice Ebrima Jaiteh, continued with the accused opening his defence under charges of murder contrary to Section 187 of The Criminal Code.
The prosecution is led by state counsel A. Gibba, while the defence is represented by counsel Samuel Ade.
In his testimony, Tine told the court in Wolof that he is an electrical engineer residing in Willingkama. He said his work includes electrical wiring, generator repairs and solar installations, adding that he operates his own registered company and is married with two children.
Led in evidence by his counsel, the accused said he recalled the events of 19 January 2024, the date of the alleged incident.
He testified that he went to a bureau de change in Westfield to send money to his brother in Senegal. He said he met the deceased at the bureau and spoke with her regarding the transaction, and was later informed she could connect him to someone who could assist.
Tine further told the court that while inside the bureau, several individuals entered and surrounded him. He claimed he was struck on the head, lost consciousness, and later regained awareness amid commotion.
He said he later learned that the deceased had been stabbed, although he maintained that he had no prior interaction with her before that day.
The accused also stated that he was attacked outside the bureau and received treatment at Ndemban Clinic before being referred to a hospital in Banjul due to low blood levels. He said he was later transferred to Serrekunda Police Station while still on medication.
Tine alleged that a sum of D110,000 in his possession at the time of the incident was not returned after his bag was retrieved by investigators.
He swore on the Holy Qur’an and denied killing Fatoumatta Kargbo, insisting he had never met her prior to the incident and had no personal relationship with her.
During cross-examination, the prosecution challenged aspects of his testimony regarding his presence at the bureau de change, but he maintained his position that he had never been there before the incident.
The matter was adjourned to 1 July 2026 for continuation of cross-examination.
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