Alleged Murderer of 28-Year-Old Woman Remanded as Case Transferred to Special Criminal Court

By Mariama Dem

The alleged murderer of 28-year-old Fatoumatta Kagbo appeared before the Kanifing Magistrate Court on Monday, where he was remanded in custody as the case got transferred to the Special Criminal Court.

The accused, identified as 36-year-old Haruna Tine, a Senegalese national, is said to have stabbed Kagbo on Friday, January 17th, 2024, at Westfield. Both Tine and Kagbo were rushed to the hospital after Tine also stabbed himself. Since the incident, Tine has been under police custody.

The Inspector General of Police (IGP), represented by Sub-Inspector Lamin Jammeh, presented the case against Tine before Magistrate Sallah Mbaye on Monday.

The charge sheet outlines that Tine is being charged with murder, in violation of Section 187 and punishable under Section 188 of the Criminal Code. The prosecution alleges that Tine caused the death of Kagbo, a Bureau de Change staff, by stabbing her in the chest with a knife at HM Bureau Exchange in Westfield, Kanifing Municipality on January 19th, 2024.

After the charge sheet was read to Tine in Wollof, Sub-Inspector Jammeh informed the court of the potential punishment if the accused is found guilty with a sentence of life imprisonment or death. He then requested that the case be transferred, and the accused be remanded.

In response, Tine did not opt for the transfer of the case to the High Court and expressed his desire for legal representation, emphasising that he was only informed of his arraignment on the day of the hearing.

Principal Magistrate Sallah Mbye ruled in favor of the prosecution’s application, stating that the court lacked jurisdiction to hear the case. Consequently, the magistrate ordered the transfer of the case to the special criminal court and remanded Tine to the State Central Prison (Mile 2) until the trial at the High Court.