By: Isatou Sarr
A truck driver Mamoudou Sallah, who allegedly killed three people in a road accident in Kafuta over the weekend, appeared before the Brikama Magistrates’ Court on charges reckless or dangerous driving causing deaths.
Prosecutors alleged that Mamoudou on or about January 4, 2025, at Kafuta village between the hours of 8:00 PM and 8:30 PM, drove a motor vehicle with the registration number BJL 0217Q, a Mercedes-Benz mini truck, in a reckless and dangerous manner, resulting in the deaths of 27-year-old Hamidu Bojang, 38-year-old Abubacarr Demba and 14-year-old Saffiyatou Touray.
The accused entered a not guilty plea when the charge sheet was read to him.
Deputy Superintendent Buteh Sawaneh and Sub Inspector A. Jallow applied for the transfer of the case to the high court on jurisdictional grounds.
“Your worship, I am applying for this matter to be transferred to the high court under Section 62 of the Criminal Procedure Code (CPC). The offense for which the accused stands trial carries a penalty of life imprisonment. Furthermore, this court is limited in its ability to hear such serious offenses, except for treason,” stated Sub-Inspector A. Jallow. He added:”However, Section 143 of the Constitution mandates that the Chief Justice establish a Special Criminal Division to hear and determine cases of this nature. I refer this court to Section 4 of the CPC, which should be read in conjunction with Section 3 of Legal Notice 2009. Additionally, Your Worship, please remand the accused person under Section 208A, pending hisappearance at the high court.”
The prosecution’s application was granted and an order was issued by presiding magistrate I.O Njie for the remanded in custody of the accused person at Mile II, pending his appearance at the high court.
