By Cecilia E.L. Mendy
A pathologist has told the High Court in Banjul that Yunusa Mbaye died from massive blood loss caused by a deep stab wound to the neck, as the murder trial of Momodou Bah continued on Tuesday.
Justice Sidi K. Jobarteh presided over the proceedings, during which the prosecution called its fifth, sixth and seventh witnesses.
The state was represented by Counsel M. Jammeh, while the accused was represented by Counsel C. Mendy and Counsel Samuel Ade.
Bah is facing a murder charge under Section 155, punishable under Section 156 of the Criminal Offences Act 2025. He is alleged to have caused the death of Mbaye on 15 June 2026 in Fajara by stabbing him in the neck with a broken bottle.
Testifying as the prosecution’s fifth witness, the pathologist said he conducted a postmortem examination on 16 June 2026 and prepared a report detailing his findings.
The witness who has more than 11 years of experience as a pathologist, said he previously worked at the Edward Francis Small Teaching Hospital (EFSTH) for 17 years and continues to provide services there on a contractual basis.
When the prosecution sought to tender the postmortem report, Defence Counsel Mendy objected, arguing that the witness was no longer a government employee and that the document should therefore not be admitted.
Counsel Jammeh argued that the witness remained associated with EFSTH through a contractual arrangement.
Justice Jobarteh overruled the objection and admitted the report into evidence.
The pathologist told the court that the deceased sustained a deep wound on the left side of the neck, which caused extensive damage to muscles and blood vessels. He added that pieces of broken glass were found inside the wound.
He concluded that Mbaye died from severe external bleeding caused by a stab injury that damaged vital structures on the left side of his neck.
The witness maintained during cross-examination that although he was no longer a permanent government employee, he continued to work with EFSTH under contract.
The prosecution’s sixth witness, businessman Ebrima Ndow, also testified, telling the court that he witnessed the confrontation between the accused and the deceased.
Ndow said that on 15 June 2026, he saw Bah, Mbaye and other people sitting under a tree in Fajara. He testified that Bah repeatedly asked Mbaye to reduce the volume of a Bluetooth speaker, which later resulted in an argument.
According to Ndow, the accused broke a glass bottle on Mbaye’s head during the confrontation. He said Mbaye later picked up a stone and shortly afterwards shouted that he had been stabbed.
The witness told the court that he intervened when Bah attempted to move towards Mbaye again, striking the accused twice with a chair and briefly chasing him away.
Ndow said Mbaye was bleeding heavily and he transported him first to Kanifing General Hospital before taking him to Ndemban Clinic after being advised to seek further medical assistance.
He testified that Mbaye was conscious but breathing heavily upon arrival at the clinic and later died despite medical efforts.
During cross-examination, Ndow maintained that he witnessed the incident, estimating that he was about 40 metres away when the confrontation started.
The prosecution’s seventh witness, Police Officer Ebrima Cham, told the court that he was assigned to photograph the postmortem examination.
Cham said he took photographs during the examination after the body was identified and later uploaded and printed them using an official police laptop.
The photographs were admitted into evidence without objection from the defense.
Under cross-examination, Cham said his role was limited to taking photographs and that he did not know the cause of the deceased’s death.
The case has been adjourned until 15 October 2026 for continuation with the testimony of the prosecution’s eighth witness.
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