By Isatou Sarr
The inquest into the death of Omar Badjie, who died following an encounter with police on 26 September 2025, continued on Monday with a site visit to Mandinary, the location where the incident reportedly occurred.
Principal Magistrate Anna O. Mendy of Brikama Magistrates’ Court recalled several witnesses to testify at the scene and reminded them of their oath to speak the truth.
One witness, Cham, said they were at the Mandinary community mortuary, where Badjie had been working. Cham testified that police officer Sulayman Jarju had alleged that Badjie was suspected of possessing cannabis, and that Jarju and other officers were now in custody.
During proceedings, the court admitted Badjie’s belongings as evidence, including a pair of red short trousers, a round-neck T-shirt, black boxer shorts, D210 in cash (D100 note, two D50 notes, and a D10 note), and a blue lighter.
The court then visited the mango tree where the assault reportedly took place. Witness Musa identified a branch of the tree that the officer allegedly used to strike Badjie. Musa said the officer first slapped Badjie and told him to leave, to which Badjie responded, “No, I cannot go.” The officer then cut a branch from the tree and struck him. The witness described the branch as large, wet, and later broken during the assault.
Chief Inspector Omar Bojang of the Brikama Police Station Crime Scene Investigation (CSI) team also testified. He said he was assigned by ASP Musa Bojang to investigate the alleged murder on 30 September 2025.
Bojang said he and his team, including Superintendent Yaya Bojang and Sergeant Fatou Simah, photographed the scene and took measurements. He added that Badjie’s workplace was 353 meters from the spot where he fell. Photographs were left at the office, while printed copies and reports were attached to the investigation file.
Magistrate Mendy adjourned the case to 20 January 2026 for continuation.
