By Isatou Sarr
The Gambia Transport Service Company (GTSC) has submitted an invoice seeking D857,484.80 in compensation in court for damage allegedly caused to one of its bus shelters in an accident involving a truck.
The claim was presented before the Brikama Magistrates’ Court in a case involving Pa Ousman Joof, who was subsequently fined D2,500 for careless driving.
Joof appeared before Magistrate K.B. Sambou on Friday, Sept. 11, 2026, after pleading guilty to a single count of careless driving, contrary to Section 51(1) of the Motor Traffic Act, Cap. 70:03, Volume 10, Revised Laws of The Gambia 2009.
The particulars of the offence stated that Joof, on or about July 18, 2026, at Brikama College, between 0300 and 0330 hours, drove a 30-ton truck with registration number KM 3489F without due care and attention, resulting in an accident.
Following his guilty plea, Sub-Inspector Jallow, representing the Inspector General of Police, presented the facts of the case and applied to tender a sketch plan, warning letter, certificate of prohibition of motor vehicle and five photographs as exhibits.
The accused did not object to the application, and the court admitted the documents into evidence.
In mitigation, Joof pleaded for mercy, saying the incident was not deliberate and that he regretted his actions.
The prosecution subsequently applied for compensation under Section 191 of the Criminal Procedure Act 2025, citing losses allegedly suffered by GTSC.
An invoice dated Aug. 17, 2026, from GTSC was presented to the court.
According to the invoice, the cost of the bus shelter and labour amounted to 9,920 euros, with the amount stated as the cost, insurance and freight (CIF) to Banjul, excluding customs duties and other applicable taxes.
Using an exchange rate of D88.44 to the euro, the invoice placed the cost at D857,484.80.
The court subsequently considered the compensation claim.
In its ruling, the court noted the amount involved and held that the appropriate avenue for GTSC to recover the claimed damages was through a civil action against the accused and his employer.
The court therefore declined to order compensation under the criminal proceedings.
On the criminal charge, Magistrate Sambou sentenced Joof to a fine of D2,500, in default of three months’ imprisonment.
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