A cashier at the Manjai Western Union Bureau, Halimatou Barry, testified in the Banjul High Court on Thursday regarding an armed robbery. The prosecution alleged the incident occurred on 10 February 2026, at approximately 1:00 p.m. At the Manjai location. During her testimony, Barry recounted that the accused threatened her with a knife, subsequently tying her hands and covering her eyes. She stated that a bag containing D55,849 was taken during the robbery. The proceedings are part of an ongoing case at the High Court, which is meticulously examining the details surrounding the alleged crime.
Details of the Robbery
The witness, Halimatou Barry, testified in the robbery trial of Basirou Sarr, recounting additional details of the incident. Barry stated that the accused removed the knife he used to threaten her from behind his back. She told the court, "The accused person removed the knife he used to threaten me from behind his back," emphasizing the suddenness of the threat. Barry further testified that her hands were not tied tightly during the ordeal, which allowed her to struggle with the accused. This detail noted her efforts to resist the alleged assailant during the incident.
During the struggle, Barry testified, the accused lifted her from the ground and subsequently threw her down. The cashier stated she lost consciousness at some point during the robbery, indicating the severity of the confrontation. She also informed the court that the accused struck her on the shoulder. Barry reported that she continues to experience pain from the injury she sustained during the incident, showing the lasting physical impact of the alleged assault. She affirmed the veracity of her testimony, telling the court, "I do not have the audacity to lie against the accused," thereby asserting her commitment to providing an accurate account of the events.
The incident took a dramatic turn when a man identified as Lamin came to Ms. Barry's rescue. Lamin testified to hearing her cries for help during the incident, which prompted his intervention. His testimony provided a key third-party account of the immediate aftermath of the robbery and the distress experienced by the victim. The presence of a rescuer adds another layer to the unfolding narrative of the events that transpired at the Manjai Western Union Bureau.
Legal Proceedings and Charges
Basirou Sarr faces two charges stemming from the incident: robbery and assault causing actual bodily harm. Mr. Sarr has denied these charges in court, setting the stage for a contested legal battle. The robbery charge is specifically contrary to Section 247 of the Criminal Offences Act, 2025, and is punishable under Section 248(2) of the same Act. These sections define the criminal act of robbery and prescribe the penalties for such an offense within the Gambian legal framework. The prosecution's case hinges on proving that the alleged actions of Mr. Sarr meet the criteria outlined in these specific legal provisions.
The assault charge, which alleges causing actual bodily harm, is contrary to Section 196 of the Criminal Offences Act, 2025. This section addresses offenses where physical injury is inflicted upon another person. The inclusion of this charge reflects the prosecution's assertion that Ms. Barry suffered actual physical harm during the alleged robbery, as detailed in her testimony regarding the strike to her shoulder and subsequent pain. These sections outline the legal framework under which the prosecution is proceeding with the case, aiming to demonstrate that Mr. Sarr's actions violated these specific laws.
Representing the State in the proceedings is Counsel A. Drammeh, who is tasked with presenting the prosecution's evidence and arguments to secure a conviction. Counsel C. Mendy is representing the accused, Basirou Sarr, and is responsible for defending his client against the charges, challenging the prosecution's evidence, and presenting Mr. Sarr's denial of the allegations. The legal teams are presenting their arguments before the Banjul High Court as the trial continues, navigating the complexities of criminal law and procedure. The charges reflect the prosecution's assertion that the alleged actions of the accused involved both the theft of property and physical harm to the victim during the 10 February 2026 incident at the Manjai Western Union Bureau. The denial of charges by Mr. Sarr sets the stage for the ongoing judicial process, where evidence will be weighed and legal arguments considered by the court.
Courtroom Developments and Next Steps
The court rejected the defence's application to tender Halimatou Barry's police statement into evidence. The presiding judge ruled that the defence had failed to lay a proper foundation for its submission, indicating a procedural flaw in how the evidence was presented or requested. This decision means that the police statement will not be considered as part of the formal evidence in the trial, potentially impacting the defence's strategy.
During the proceedings, a man identified as Lamin came to Ms. Barry's rescue, as he testified to hearing her cries for help during the incident. His testimony corroborated parts of Ms. Barry's account and provided an external perspective on the events. Later, Basirou Sarr, the accused, broke down in tears in the dock and informed the court that he was feeling dizzy. This emotional display and reported physical distress led to a temporary pause in the intense courtroom proceedings.
Justice Sidi K. Jobarteh subsequently adjourned the matter, allowing for a break in the trial. The trial is scheduled to resume on 27 July 2026, when the second prosecution witness is expected to give testimony. The upcoming testimony from this witness is anticipated to provide further details and evidence to the court, contributing to the prosecution's case against Basirou Sarr. The adjournment allows both legal teams to prepare for the next phase of the trial, ensuring that due process is followed in this significant case before the Banjul High Court. The court's careful handling of the proceedings shows the importance of a fair and thorough judicial process in determining the guilt or innocence of the accused.
