By Mama A. Touray
The trial of the PIU shooting case resumed on Monday with the counsel for the first accused, Ousainou Bojang cross-examining the prosecution witness Bakary R Jarju
It could be recalled that the witness on 30th October gave his testimony and was only cross-examined yesterday.
During his cross-examination, Mr. Jarju told the court that on the day of the shooting incident he was coming from a training exercise at Palma Rima Beach and passed via Sukuta Traffic lights where some PIU personnel were shot on 12th September.
He said he could not remember exactly the time of the shooting but it was around 9pm and the whole thing was very sudden.
The witness said he could not tell which direction the shooter came from, and on how the second officer scrambled with the shooter in his efforts to take the AK47.
He said when he heard the gun shot at the time; he thought it was negligent discharge and that in military he was told that if one hears a gun shot, one should not rush.
He also said he could not recall the intervals between the gun shots.
Counsel for the first accused twice asked the witness to demonstrate the sound of a pestle and AK47 but he insisted that he could notdemonstrate the sound of an AK47.
When asked if it was his function to collect evidence at the alleged shooting incident, the witness responded that it was his function as he had taken an oath to protect lives and properties,and the territorial integrity of the people.
On how far the shooter was from the PIU Officers, the witness said it was an arm length.
Still testifying on whether he gave the police a statement, the witness said he gave a statement to the police on 14th September 2023.
PW2 was shown his written statement that was handed over to the police and he confirmed it, the lawyer for the first accused tendered the statement which was not objected by state counsel AM Yusuf and Justice Ebrima Jaitehadmitted it as evidence.
The matter was adjourned to 13th November 2023 at 10:30am for continuation of cross-examination by defense counsel for the first accused.