Dawda M. Jallow
Ebrima Alieu Mboge, a resident of Fajara and a professional sound technician, confidently took the stand yesterday before Magistrate M. Faal at the Kanifing Magistrates’ Court as the first witness (PW1) in the Pipeline assault case against Wuyeh Kamaso.
ASP Amat Touray, representing the Inspector General of Police, clearly stated that Wuyeh Kamaso faces charges of “Assault causing Actual Bodily Harm,” as outlined in Section 228 of the Criminal Code, Cap 10.01 Volume III Revised Laws of The Gambia 2009. The allegations assert that Wuyeh, on or about October 7, 2024, in Pipeline, Kanifing Municipality, deliberately and unlawfully assaulted Ebrima Alieu Mboge by throwing a stone at his face, inflicting actual bodily harm.
In his testimony, Ebrima unequivocally identified Wuyeh as the individual responsible for his injuries and recounted the events with clarity and conviction.
“I was heading home when I noticed the accused giving me a menacing look. I confronted him, and he had the audacity to say that if it weren’t for my mother, who intervened on my behalf, he would have dealt with me himself.”
“When I told him he was lying, he picked up a rock and struck me in the face. He insisted that my mother was the one who pleaded for my forgiveness, which I firmly denied. He then hit me on the side of my face with the rock, but I couldn’t see what he was holding. As I moved toward him, two people grabbed me, and that was when he struck me on the head with a rock.”
Ebrima detailed how, even with two people in front of him, Wuyeh approached from behind and struck him, causing blood to pour from his wounds. “I told them, ‘You see, he hit me, so why are you holding me?’ Once they let go of me, I went home to inspect my serious injuries. I returned to confront him and showed the group my injuries, as the accused was still holding two rocks.”
While Ebrima attempted to approach Wuyeh, two individuals restrained him again, but the accused insisted they let him go. “I moved towards him again, and he tried to hit me with two rocks, but I was fortunate that he missed. Bystanders intervened, recognizing the severity of my injuries as blood was gushing from my wounds. During our last confrontation, he brandished a metal rod and attempted to hit me. He struck me three times on my legs and twice on my hands.”
Following the incident, Ebrima went to the Kairaba Police Station with his mother to file a report. After returning home, his mother took photographs of his injuries. He received a report to visit Kanifing General Hospital, where he underwent treatment and was given a medical certificate for the police
During cross-examination, the accused attempted to assert, “If I had used those rocks and the metal rod, you wouldn’t be here.” Ebrima firmly rebutted, “That’s not true.” The accused continued, “I wasn’t staring at you; I was busy with my phone, and it’s not an offense to look at someone.” Ebrima responded boldly, “No, you were indeed staring at me for a considerable time.”
The court has adjourned the matter to Tuesday, March 21, 2025, at 10:30 AM for the continuation of PW1’s cross-examination.
