Ousainou Bojang, the alleged perpetrator of the PIU shooting, presented his defense to Justice E. Jaiteh at the High Court in Banjul.
Multiple allegations, including the murder of two Police Intervention Unit (PIU) officers, are being brought against Bojang.
Three members of the police Anti-Crime Unit were shot at the Sukuta-Jabang traffic junction on September 12, 2023. Two juvenile officers, Constable Sang J. Mendy and Constable Pateh Jallow, were killed in the incident, while Constable Ancy Jawo suffered grievous bodily harm.
On September 12, 2023, the day of the alleged gunshot, defense counsel L.J. Darboe inquired of the accused as to his whereabouts. The accused responded by claiming that he left in the morning and returned to Brufut at 5 p.m.
Ousainou Bojang disclosed that he resides in Brufut during his testimony. He stated that he returned home at 5 p.m. on the day of the alleged gunshot and did not venture out again. “I accepted employment with Brufut,” he stated during his testimony.
He also mentioned that his place of employment, a lodge named Smiling Coast Residence, is situated in close proximity to his residence. He stated that his duty commenced at 7 p.m. and concluded at 7 a.m. the following day.
Ousainou also clarified that his position at the lodge is security. Upon commencing his shift, he declared that he would relieve a colleague named Famara Badjie, who, in turn, would relieve him upon the conclusion of his (Bojang) shift.
Ousainou stated that he remained at his place of employment for the duration of his duty on the specific night in question. Nevertheless, at approximately 11 p.m., he momentarily exited the building to purchase phone credit and dinner from a nearby establishment. Before departing, he contacted Famara Badjie, who was seated at the gate with a group of companions, to supervise the compound during his absence.
Ousainou testified that he encountered Famara, Bakary Jarju, Junior, and Kalo at the gate. They were viewing a video on Junior’s phone. According to reports, Famara informed him that they had observed an unusual occurrence on the phone. “I inquired about its nature, and he directed me to investigate.” They informed me that they had received information that an individual had fired a firearm at a law enforcement officer. He stated, “I informed them that this was a very serious matter.”
Ousainou stated that he had reminded Famara to maintain the compound before departing for the shop, as he had secured the gate from the inside.
Once he returned, Ousainou testified that he inquired about a lodge occupant named Pap from Famara. Ousainou stated that he entered the building to momentarily converse with Pap after verifying that he was present. He subsequently retreated to his position, leaving Famara and his companions at the gate.
Ousainou also mentioned that the lodge has accommodations that are rented out to tenants. He remembered an encounter with Sulayman, one of the residents, who had exited his apartment. “I inquired as to whether he was planning to venture out, but Sulayman responded that he was only going to the store,” Ousainou stated.
He also advised Sulayman to exercise caution, as they had recently witnessed the news of the police officers’ shooting on Junior’s phone.
Ousainou concluded his testimony by announcing that he had spent a portion of the evening communicating with his supervisor, Kathleen Smith, via WhatsApp. Smith is a resident of the United Kingdom.
