Camara and Sanyang Dismissed From The Force

Mamadi BK Jarju And Landing Badjie Banjul

Two top Gambian Security officials were on Monday arraigned before the Kanifing Magistrates Court on theft charges. Lieutenant Bakary Camara and police ASP Manlafi Sanyang are standing trial on charges of stealing Government vehicles. The men who were detained at the Mile Two Prisons have denied stealing President Jammeh’s vehicles. They were put onboard a prison van. The men who appeared worried and rough were yet to secure the services of a lawyer.

Criminal charges filed in court against the accused persons indicate that LT. Camara and ASP Sanyang conspired with the sole intention of committing felony. The charge sheet unveiled that the accused persons conspired to steal vehicles belonging to the President. The accused said the charge sheet, acted in contravention to the laws of The Gambia.

Car theft charges is not knew to the second accused ASP Manlafi Sanyang. Sanyang was arrested in 2003 on allegations of stealing APRC Afinjang trucks. These trucks were used to facilitate the APRC political campaigns.

A spokesman of the police told the Freedom Newspaper that both Sanyang and LT. Camara have been fired, while the criminal case brought against them was pending in court.

The police spokesman said the orders to arrest and dismissed the officers emanate from the President. “ The matter in question emanates from the top. We have no choice but to press charges against the accused persons. They are presumed innocent until proven guilty by the courts. Notwithstanding, the President has given instructions for their services to be terminated. This is what had happened. The whole problem revolves around missing cars.” said the police spokesman.

Insider at the police head quarters said Manlafi Sanyang’s arrest and subsequent removal came as a big surprise to them. “ Here was a man who was very close to the President. He masterminds the arrest and sacking of many of our colleagues. He dressed in APRC T shirts to come to work. He intimidates almost everyone here because of his close ties with the President. His removal is very much welcomed.” said the police traffic officer attached to the Banjul police.

The men were whisked back to prison as soon as the presiding magistrate adjourned the matter. The case has been rescheduled for hearing.

The matter at hand have nothing to do with National security. The accused persons had repeatedly denied stealing the said cars in their cautionary statements to the police. The trial continues.....